How does Job 36:6 illustrate God's justice towards the wicked and the afflicted?

◄ Job 36:6: God's justice to wicked afflicted? ►

Setting the Scene

Job 36 records Elihu’s final speech as he defends God’s righteousness. Verse 6 stands out as a concise, two-part statement of divine justice:

“He does not preserve the life of the wicked,

but gives justice to the afflicted.” (Job 36:6)

God’s Firm Stand Against the Wicked

• God “does not preserve” (literally, “keep alive”) the unrepentant wicked.

• This affirms moral consequences; evil may flourish for a time, yet God’s verdict is certain (Psalm 37:9–10; Proverbs 11:21).

• His stance is not arbitrary but rooted in holiness—“The LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” (Nahum 1:3).

• The teaching echoes New Testament clarity: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

God’s Compassionate Justice for the Afflicted

• “Gives justice” (yitten mishpat) conveys active vindication, not mere sympathy.

• Scripture consistently pairs God’s righteousness with advocacy for the oppressed:

– “The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all the oppressed” (Psalm 103:6).

– “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed” (Psalm 9:9).

• God’s justice is thus restorative—He lifts, heals, and rights wrongs (Isaiah 61:8).

• Christ embodies this heart: “He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18).

Justice and Mercy—Two Sides of the Same Divine Character

• Both clauses flow from one nature. God never compromises holiness to show mercy, nor withholds mercy to safeguard holiness.

• The cross most vividly unites these truths: sin judged, the afflicted redeemed (Romans 3:25–26).

Living Out the Lesson

• Trust: When wickedness seems unchecked, remember God’s timetable is perfect.

• Hope: The afflicted can look to Him for vindication; His promises are sure (James 5:7–11).

• Alignment: Believers mirror His character by opposing evil and defending the vulnerable (Micah 6:8).

Job 36:6 reassures: God’s justice is neither delayed nor divided—He will bring down the wicked and lift up the afflicted, exactly as He has promised.