Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
Job 21 belongs to the debate between Job and his three friends about his afflictions, extending from chapters 4 through 31. It is part of Job's answer to Zophar's second speech about the portion of the wicked. In it Job replies to friends who have repeatedly accused him.
The friends claimed their own wisdom and observation proved his guilt, since they had never known a truly good man to suffer so, while Job knew his integrity and could not understand God's dealings with him. The verse shows Job recognizing their hostile thoughts and the wrongful devices they imagine against him. He thereby challenges their reasoning as misapplied to his case, for suffering does not prove that a person is under God's displeasure. The surrounding answer teaches that the wicked prosper in this present life and their punishment is future.
Job 21 belongs to the debate between Job and his three friends about his afflictions, extending from chapters 4 through 31. It is part of Job's answer to Zophar's second speech about the portion of the wicked. In it Job replies to friends who have repeatedly accused him.
The friends claimed their own wisdom and observation proved his guilt, since they had never known a truly good man to suffer so, while Job knew his integrity and could not understand God's dealings with him. The verse shows Job recognizing their hostile thoughts and the wrongful devices they imagine against him. He thereby challenges their reasoning as misapplied to his case, for suffering does not prove that a person is under God's displeasure. The surrounding answer teaches that the wicked prosper in this present life and their punishment is future.