Since the sin of the wicked and their wickedness is great before God, their punishment will also be great because their thoughts are totally corrupted by their wickedness.
Strong pain will come towards them, the wrath of the Lord will be poured out in such a terrible way on the wicked, they have no mercy when it comes to committing their atrocities, that is why the destruction of the Lord will come upon them.
How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.
Job 21:17
In chapter 21 of Job, he questions the prosperity of the wicked, since Job was going through difficult times having been very upright, but in the verse that we have just seen, we see how there will be a sad ending for the wicked, despite having lived a prosperous life.
The Bible in many verses teaches us not to be blinded by the apparent progress of people who do evil. Let us remember that many have ill-gotten riches and that is why they will have a sad end, because on that great day of final judgment they will be condemned.
Let us continue to walk in the straight paths of the Lord, so that we can dwell with Him for all eternity.
Throughout the Scriptures we can clearly see that God is a just Judge, and that nothing escapes His sight. Although for a time it may seem that the wicked prosper, enjoy peace, health, and abundance, the Word of God reminds us that such prosperity is temporary and fragile. It is like a shadow that quickly disappears, or like grass that flourishes in the morning but withers by evening. God’s justice never fails, even when human eyes cannot immediately perceive it.
Job’s struggle is one that many believers face today. We ask ourselves why those who act unjustly seem to advance, while those who seek to live uprightly endure suffering and hardship. However, the book of Job teaches us that God’s plans are far greater than our understanding. The suffering of the righteous is not meaningless, nor is the apparent success of the wicked a sign of divine approval. Everything has its appointed time, and God will render to each person according to their deeds.
The candle of the wicked, as Job describes it, represents their life, their influence, and their power. When God puts out that candle, all the strength and confidence they once had vanishes instantly. No wealth, no position, and no human protection can shield them from the righteous judgment of the Lord. This truth should awaken reverent fear in every heart and lead us to examine our own ways before God.
For the believer, these words are also a call to perseverance. We are reminded not to envy those who walk in evil paths, nor to imitate their conduct in hopes of gaining temporary advantages. The path of righteousness may seem narrow and difficult, but it is the only path that leads to life. God sees every act of faithfulness, every sacrifice made in obedience, and every tear shed in trust.
Moreover, the certainty of God’s justice gives comfort to those who have been wronged. Many injustices go unpunished in this world, but none will remain unresolved before the throne of God. The Lord is patient, giving time for repentance, but His patience should never be mistaken for indifference. When the time comes, His judgment will be perfect and complete.
Therefore, let us take heed of these teachings and guard our hearts. Let us choose integrity, humility, and obedience, even when doing so seems costly. The reward of the righteous is not measured by earthly prosperity, but by eternal fellowship with God. As we remain steadfast in His ways, we can trust that He will sustain us, guide us, and ultimately receive us into His everlasting presence.