Job 21:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Behold me and marvel, Job 21:5, 43. This means to reflect on my actions and be astonished by the trials I have endured under this affliction. He rightly adds the phrase, "And place your finger upon your lips." This gesture implies, in clearer terms, that understanding the good I have accomplished and recognizing the adversities I have faced should lead you to refrain from speaking any wrongful words. In my suffering, you may sense the reality of your own pain. Our fingers allow us to discern the attributes of things, which is why wisdom is aptly represented by them; as the Psalmist proclaimed, "Blessed be the Lord my God, who teaches my hands to wage war and my fingers to engage in battle" (Psalms 143:1). In this context, "hands" symbolizes actions, while "fingers" represent wisdom.

Job has ceased seeking solace from his companions; his desire now is for their silence so he can voice his grievances regarding his affliction until he has fully expressed his thoughts (21: 1-6). Their attempts to illustrate the fate of the wicked, who face punishment after a fleeting period of prosperity, are futile: numerous instances exist where the wicked live and die in complete joy (7-13). They dismiss the notion of Divine Providence (14-15); the prospect of sudden death does not intimidate them (16-18), nor are they unsettled by the unfortunate destinies of their descendants (19-21). Who among them can ascertain from God the fairness of the distribution of joy and suffering among humanity (22)? Both the unrighteous and the righteous meet the same end in death (23-26).