Job 20:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

From this, we can confidently understand that divine judgment is delivered when the powerless triumph over the mighty and the underestimated prevail over the strong. Aquila rendered the phrase as "will convert," while Simmachus chose "will inflict," indicating a variation in interpretation. This suggests that the strike comes from God, as the weakest individuals conquer the strongest and those deemed unworthy overcome the powerful.

His offspring will perish in their destitution, as stated in Job 20:10. For it is written, "Into the wickedness of the soul wisdom shall not enter" (Wisdom 1:4); and the Psalmist affirmed, "The rich lack and hunger" (Psalm 33:10). The reference to physical lack and hunger particularly applies to the wealthy, who are perpetually in need of the nourishment of the flesh. However, as they outwardly flourish, they simultaneously foster an inner void. Thus, they are depicted as both rich and impoverished, since they neglect the effort required to partake of the sustenance of wisdom. Consequently, the progeny of this hypocrite "shall disappear in want,” as those born from his deceitful words lack the substance of truth and vanish into a state of spiritual poverty.

Job's words have provoked Sophar to the point where he can no longer hold his tongue. Sophar restates his belief that wrongdoing inevitably leads to destruction, underscoring that regardless of the temporary joy a sinner may experience, it ultimately fades away like a fleeting vision. The pleasures that currently delight the wicked, such as wealth, will ultimately become harmful to them. For the injustices inflicted upon the vulnerable, calamity shall come upon the wrongdoer. This outcome is both certain and dire.