What can we learn about God's justice from Job 15:20? “A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless.” Immediate Observations • The statement is absolute—“all his days” means the suffering of the wicked is continual, not occasional. • The span of life for the ruthless is described as “only a few years,” hinting at God-imposed limits. • Suffering and brevity are presented as built-in consequences for evil. What This Reveals about God’s Justice • Justice is certain, not speculative: God has ordained that wickedness produces torment. • Justice is ongoing: the pain lasts “all his days,” showing God’s judgment is woven into daily existence, not merely future punishment. • Justice is tempered by restraint: the ruthless have “only a few years,” demonstrating God sets boundaries on how long evil may flourish. • Justice is personal: the verse speaks of “a wicked man,” indicating God deals with individuals, not just systems or nations. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 11:21 — “Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished.” • Psalm 37:12-13 — “The wicked plot against the righteous… but the Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.” • Ecclesiastes 8:13 — “It will not be well for the wicked, nor will he prolong his days.” • Galatians 6:7 — “Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” Implications for Believers • God’s justice operates even when human courts fail; no wrongdoing escapes His notice. • We can resist envy of the apparent success of the wicked, knowing their prosperity is brief and painful underneath. • Patience is possible: God is already acting—often unseen—against evil, so we need not take vengeance (Romans 12:19). • Evangelism remains urgent: if torment marks every day of the wicked, their need for the gospel is immediate. Encouragement to Hold Fast • Suffering is not the believer’s destiny; Psalm 34:19 promises, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” • God’s justice guarantees a moral universe; trusting Him brings peace amid visible injustice. • Perseverance is rewarded: “Those who wait for the LORD will inherit the land” (Psalm 37:9). |
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