Job 20:5 – WICKED IS SHORT
Job 20:5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
Zophar is speaking to Job and he reminds Job that while the wicked may boast for a season, it is only for a season. The wicked will not be able to get away with their iniquity for very long. Zophar reminds Job that from the very beginning of time, the wicked do not survive long.
The first sin committed was dealt with by God in the very day that it happened. God did not allow Adam and Eve to continue to live their lives as if nothing had happened. Instead, God came and sought out Adam and Eve and made HIMSELF known unto them. By doing so, HE made them deal with the issue of their wickedness.
The first murder was committed by Cain. God did not allow Cain to go around bragging about what he had done to his brother. Instead, God came and confronted Cain. God placed a mark on Cain not so that Cain could brag about his murder but so that Cain knew that he was under the protection of God, because of the grace of God.
When you think about how long people live on this earth, it does not take very long to realize that your time here on earth is very short compared to the thousands of years of recorded history. Even if you were able to live your entire life without repenting, the time of your wickedness would be very short.
We must understand that even when we think we get away with something, we in reality get away with nothing. We should count it a blessing when God deals with our sin while we are still here on this earth. When God punishes us here on this earth, it is because of HIS great love for us that HE desires that we do not continue to live in a manner that is displeasing unto HIM.
What kind of world would we live in if everyone did that which was right in their own eyes? What kind of wickedness would be committed around you? If someone could take what they wanted when they wanted it, or if you could kill another human being without thinking twice, there would be no safety here on this earth.
While it appears at times that wicked people get away with a lot, you must remember that we serve a God who sees everything. While God may be slow to wrath and quick to mercy, there is coming a day where the wicked will be punished for the sins that they committed. They cannot continue to get away with sin.
There will be a time in your life where you see someone committing some kind of wicked act and it appears that they are getting ahead in this world. You then look at yourself and see how you follow all the rules and you seem to be getting further and further behind. You must remember that God is in control and you must trust in HIM. Just because the wicked seem to prosper is not any excuse for you to commit wickedness.
Remember the wages of sin is death. Just because there does not appear to be an immediate consequence for some sins, do not be fooled, God will punish wickedness. Be patient and you will see the wicked being punished by God. God destroyed the entire world with a flood and he changed the languages of the world to stop a tower from being built. God is capable to punish anyone who thinks they can violate HIS perfect law.