In Job 36:6–7, where it states the righteous are exalted while the wicked are cut off, why do wicked individuals often thrive, and the righteous sometimes suffer?

Context of Job 36:6–7

“He does not keep the wicked alive, but He gives justice to the afflicted. He does not take His eyes off the righteous, but He enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever” (Job 36:6–7). These words, attributed to Elihu, reflect a general principle expressing divine concern for justice. They highlight that, ultimately, the righteous are lifted up by God while those who do evil face certain judgment. However, the immediate experiences of life often seem to contradict this promise: many see wicked individuals prosper while the righteous endure hardship.

Apparent Tension Between Principle and Reality

Job himself wrestles with the reality of innocent suffering and the apparent ease of the godless. In Job 21:7, he laments, “Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?” Psalms such as Psalm 73:3 voice similar concerns: “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” The tension arises here: While Scripture declares that God does not let the wicked endure forever, we witness many cases where the wicked seem to thrive.

The Purpose Behind Allowing the Wicked to Prosper Temporarily

One aspect of the biblical narrative is that God’s time scale far exceeds human expectations (cf. 2 Peter 3:8–9). Scripture portrays God as patient, giving individuals and even entire nations opportunities to repent. Genesis 15:16 describes the delay before the judgment of Canaan, stating the sin of the Amorites was not yet complete. This exemplifies how God might allow corrupt powers or individuals to continue for a season to accomplish broader purposes, including eventual correction or repentance.

Additionally, the freedom granted to humanity can result in unjust systems temporarily favoring the unscrupulous. Ecclesiastes 8:11 acknowledges, “When the sentence for a crime is not executed quickly, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil.” Yet this does not negate the certainty of ultimate divine justice, only that God may delay final judgment.

Eternal Perspective on Suffering and Reward

A key scriptural theme is the distinction between temporal and eternal outcomes. While short-term observations may lead one to conclude that injustice prevails, the full biblical witness underscores that God’s final judgment settles all accounts.

Psalm 37:1–2 illustrates this contrast: “Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.” Although it may appear that the wicked flourish, their apparent advantage is fleeting compared to God’s enduring plan.

In contrast, suffering can serve to refine the character of the faithful (James 1:2–4). Moreover, 2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds readers that “our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.” Such passages point to a deeper reality: Hardship can be a means of spiritual growth, trust, and reliance upon divine strength.

Examples of the Righteous Who Suffered

Throughout Scripture, many upright individuals endured suffering before receiving vindication:

1. Job himself remained righteous through his intense trials and, in due course, experienced restoration (Job 42:10).

2. Joseph lived faithfully yet spent years in slavery and prison before rising to a position of great authority (Genesis 37–41).

3. David, an anointed king, fled throughout the wilderness under Saul’s persecution before finally sitting on Israel’s throne (1 Samuel 19–2 Samuel 2).

4. The ultimate example is seen in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who bore unjust condemnation yet was exalted triumphantly (Philippians 2:8–9).

These narratives display a consistent principle: God’s overarching purpose includes redemption, even if righteous sufferers must wait.

God’s Purposes in Allowing Trials

Scripture presents multiple reasons for righteous suffering:

1. Testing and Refinement: Trials can expose and strengthen faith (1 Peter 1:6–7).

2. Divine Discipline: Sometimes correction or growth comes through hardship (Hebrews 12:6–11).

3. Identification with Christ: Enduring suffering as Christ did fosters deeper relationship and testimony (Philippians 3:10).

Such suffering does not negate passages like Job 36:6–7. Instead, it highlights that the exaltation of the righteous may come after seasons of trial rather than instantaneously.

Future Judgment and Ultimate Justice

Scripture consistently asserts that there will be a final reckoning for both the righteous and the wicked (Revelation 20:11–15). Job’s statement that God “does not keep the wicked alive” reflects a long-term reality, where divine justice will prevail even if not immediately visible. In Luke 16:25, Abraham tells the rich man (who had once thrived in life), “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here while you are left to suffer.” This underscores that true justice extends beyond this temporal existence.

Biblical Consistency and Manuscript Reliability

The themes of divine justice resonate across the interconnected books of Scripture. Ancient manuscripts, including portions of the Old Testament discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls, corroborate the remarkable consistency of these texts. Throughout centuries, their content on justice, repentance, and divine sovereignty has been preserved, underscoring that the message in Job is no mere literary device but part of a coherent scriptural testimony.

Archaeological and Historical Illustrations

Archaeological research provides evidence of once-powerful civilizations that rose, prospered briefly, and then fell, aligning with the biblical notion that apparent triumphs of the wicked do not last indefinitely. Excavations at sites like Jericho and Nineveh confirm that mighty nations and cities were destroyed, matching biblical accounts (Joshua 6; Nahum 3). These examples illustrate a broader pattern: No empire endures forever in rebellion against divine principles.

Application and Encouragement

Those puzzled by the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous can take heart in the broader context:

• Earthly success and comfort are not ultimate measures of blessing.

• Divine justice, though delayed, is certain and swiftly executed when the appointed time arrives.

• Present hardships can serve a crucial role in shaping character and faith.

• Historical and archaeological findings underscore the reliability of Scripture’s message and God’s sovereignty over history.

In every era, individuals can find solace in the biblical promise that God “does not take His eyes off the righteous.” Although the righteous may walk through difficulties now, the testimony of Scripture and the pattern observed in historical accounts point to a future vindication that confirms Job 36:6–7 in the most complete way.