What does Job 21:29 reveal about God's justice and timing? What Job 21:29 Says “Have you never questioned those who travel the roads? Do you not accept their reports?” The Traveler’s Testimony - Ancient caravaners had seen the world and gathered stories; their “reports” carried weight. - They confirmed what Job pointed out: wicked people often prosper for a season and die in apparent peace (v. 7–13). - Their witness confronts any quick-fix theology that says suffering always equals sin and prosperity always equals righteousness. Justice Reserved, Not Forgotten - Job’s next line explains the point: “For the wicked is reserved for the day of calamity; they will be brought forth to the day of wrath” (v. 30). - God’s judgment is certain, but it is stored up (“reserved”) until His chosen “day.” - Delay is not denial; timing belongs to God alone (Habakkuk 2:3). Supporting Passages • Psalm 73:3–17 – Asaph envies the prosperity of the wicked until he enters God’s sanctuary and “discerns their end.” • Ecclesiastes 8:11–13 – Because sentence is not executed speedily, the heart of man is set to do evil, yet “it will not be well with the wicked.” • Romans 2:4–6 – God’s patience is meant to lead to repentance; He “will render to each one according to his deeds.” • 2 Peter 3:7–9 – The present world is “reserved for fire… kept for the day of judgment,” and the apparent delay shows God’s merciful desire that none should perish. Why God Waits - To allow repentance (2 Peter 3:9). - To display mercy and longsuffering (Romans 9:22–23). - To fulfill His larger redemptive plan in history (Isaiah 46:10). Living Between Observation and Outcome • Expect disparities now: righteousness may suffer; wickedness may flourish (John 16:33). • Trust God’s settled justice: “He has fixed a day” (Acts 17:31). • Walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), knowing the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25). |
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