Job 21:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observing this, the obstinate individual becomes uneasy, and his fervor diminishes. St. Job opens with a request: Be patient with me as I speak, and afterward, you may mock me (Job 21:3). For when they criticize me, they do so as a mere mortal. Therefore, bear the weight of my words, as I am about to express thoughts that I do not personally endorse, yet I will present these unjust statements to persuade you. Ultimately, the passage states, Is it against a man that I am being accused? (Job 21:4).

Listen to my words, and if they seem worthy of mockery afterward, go ahead and mock Job. For when righteous individuals speak, they aim for two outcomes: their words should benefit both themselves and their listeners, or may serve only themselves if their audience cannot take advantage of what is being said. When the good words they utter are received favorably, both speaker and listener gain from it. However, if their message invites derision, the speaker still finds value in articulating their thoughts as it frees them from the sin of silence.

Job has ceased to seek solace from his companions; instead, he desires their silence so that he may voice his grievances regarding his afflictions until the very end (21: 1-6). They futilely reference the idea that the wicked suffer retribution after brief periods of joy; however, evidence shows that many wicked individuals enjoy happiness in life and meet death without distress (7-13). They dismiss Divine Providence (14-15); they are not daunted by the prospect of sudden demise (16-18), and the woeful fate of their descendants does not concern them (19-21). Who amongst them can declare to the Lord the fairness in the allocation of joy and sorrow among humanity (22)? In God’s eyes, both the unrighteous and the just face the same end (23-26).