Job 12:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The poor man Lazarus found solace, while the haughty rich man suffered anguish. Yet, Abraham, who welcomed Lazarus, was also prosperous. Speaking to his Creator, Abraham humbly remarked, "I have undertaken to speak to the Sovereign, I, dust and ashes!" (Gen. 18:27). Could a man who calls himself dust and ashes truly consider himself great in wealth? Or did his possessions elevate him, he who held himself in such low regard despite his riches? Conversely, some may lack material wealth, yet harbor immense pride. Even with no external assets to bolster their egos, their untrustworthy actions place them among the lost children of wealth. The sacred word defines as ‘rich’ anyone not filled with humility, irrespective of their material status. As such, it bears no weight in the day of judgment whether individuals are proud of possessions or merely of their attitudes. Those who notice the simplicity of the humble and lowly in this world often mock them scornfully, dismissing the very things they crave.

Thus, those attached to material wealth perceive as foolish those who live without those same desires, viewing them as lifeless. One who renounces worldly cravings is free from this earthly existence and, in a sense, quite dead to it. This is evident when our Savior performed a miracle, liberating a man from an unclean spirit—upon which he cried out and was convulsed violently, appearing lifeless, prompting many to declare him dead. Yet Jesus grasped his hand, raised him up, and he stood (Mark 9:26-27). He seems dead who has triumphed over evil spirits. One who conquers earthly desires finds the true vitality of the flesh within, while an individual regarded as dead in the eyes of the world, now free from the evil spirit that once controlled him, faces disdain from those unable to perceive spiritual living, instead labeling him as utterly lifeless.

However, those who ridicule the humble often identify as Christians, yet due to a sense of reverence for piety, refrain from outright mockery. Consequently, they silently scorn those they view as pitiable because of their simplicity. Therefore, it is aptly stated: "The torch is despised in the thoughts of the rich," for the proud cannot grasp the value of future blessings, perceiving them as inconsequential, particularly towards those who lack the worldly possessions they covet. It frequently occurs that those destined for eternal joy experience relentless trials in this life, lacking material wealth, notoriety, followers, or ostentatious attire—viewed with contempt and deemed unworthy by society. However, in the eyes of the omniscient Judge, they shine with virtue and embody the splendor of righteous living; they seek not honor, embrace contempt, seek moderation, nurture love within, uphold a life of patience, rejoice in others’ triumphs, and cultivate the seeds of divine truth in their hearts, never resorting to deceit. They are ‘torch-like’ due to their inner brilliance, ‘despised’ for lacking external allure. Hence, they gleam with virtues yet are seen as abominable to the proud.

An illustration of this is the treatment St. David received from his father, who overlooked him in favor of his elder sons when presented to the prophet Samuel for anointing. When the prophet inquired if he had shown all his sons, the father despondently replied, "there remains still a little boy to herd the sheep." David, chosen for greatness, heard the words, "Man looks at the face, but the Lord examines the heart" (1 Samuel 16:10 ff.). Thus, David embodied the torch of innocence, yet was treated as insignificant for failing to dazzle those who judged him superficially. It must be understood that every righteous individual, if not devoid of earthly glory, willingly sidelines it in pursuit of divine elevation, striving to transcend earthly pleasures before they consume him. This correlates with the glorified Apostle’s humility as he stated, "We did not use this power when we could have appeared with the importance of Christ's apostles, but we were gentle among you" (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7).

Even though he garnered disdain, as people claimed, “In his letters he is stern and strong, but in presence, he is weak, and his speech is of no account” (2 Cor. 10:10), their pride blinded them to the righteousness he embodied. When juxtaposed against his humble demeanor and authoritative oratory, their arrogance turned them away, causing them to dismiss the one they should respect. What then can be said of Paul, if not that he is the despised torch among the affluent, serving as a model of humility? Ironically, the very mindset that should have led them towards reverence only magnified their pride, leading them to scorn what should inspire emulation instead. Was he not the despised light, shining with countless virtues yet suffering intensely at the hands of persecutors? He accomplished his mission amid restraint; his bonds were widely recognized, he endured flogging, faced countless threats from both Jews and Gentiles, and was stoned in Lystra, dragged from the city as if dead. But is he perpetually and relentlessly belittled? Does he never demonstrate his radiance? He speaks clearly, declaring, “The torch is despised in the thoughts of the rich” before stating, “Prepared for the appointed time” (Job 12:5).

The ‘appointed time’ for this “despised torch” undoubtedly refers to the predestined moment of the final judgment, which will reveal how the righteous—currently humbled—will glow with divine majesty. In that time, they shall judge alongside God, having been unjustly condemned for His sake. The brightness of their light will shine intensely, even as their persecutors tried to suppress and obscure them during their earthly existence. The unrighteous will realize then that those they overlooked were sustained by heavenly strength, as they chose to forsake worldly treasures willingly. Hence, Truth assures His followers, “Ye that have followed Me in regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit upon the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28). This does not imply that the heavenly court is limited to twelve judges, rather it signifies a complete representation, as anyone who, ignited by divine love, forsakes worldly possessions inevitably rises to the station of judgment alongside the Divine Judge, who seems to punish himself through voluntary humility.

Thus, Solomon reflects on the spouse of the Holy Church, stating, “Her husband is known at the gate when he sits among the elders of the land” (Proverbs 31:23). Isaiah similarly proclaims, “The Lord shall come in judgment, with the elders of his people” (Isaiah 3:14). The Truth clarifies that these Elders have transitioned from servants to friends: “Henceforth I call you no longer servants, but I have called you friends” (John 15:15). The Psalmist regards them, saying, “Honorable are Thy friends also unto me, O God” (Psalm 138:17). Although he recognized their noble spirits and how they dismissed worldly glory, he afterward noted, “How firm is their rule!” And lest we underestimate their number, he continued, “If I should count them, there are more of them than grains of sand.” Many individuals who, now willingly embrace humility for the sake of Truth, shall become radiant torches during the Judgment. Therefore, it is rightly stated that while the righteous may be undervalued and disparaged in life, they will shine forth with splendor and admiration from the heights of heaven when they are revealed for their true worth.