Job 22:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Verse 18. Yet he fills their homes with good things (Job 22:18). The Lord bestows blessings upon the households of the unrighteous, for even to the thankless, He does not withhold His gifts. This is intended so they might either repent, recognizing the mercy of their Creator, and return to righteousness, or, if they stubbornly spurn such a return, to be subjected to even greater punishment, as their wickedness here receives that which is good from God. Thus, severe tribulations of judgment are in store for those whose sins, even amidst divine generosity, cannot be overcome. It continues, “But let their judgment be far from me” (Job 22:18). This sentiment echoes blessed Job, who also states, “Whose counsel let it be far from me” (Job 21:16).

Eliphaz presents his final indictment against Job, attempting to demonstrate that since human righteousness holds no value for God, divine punishments must be viewed as manifestations of God's impartial judgment (22:1-4). He argues that it is indeed sinful when an individual has the chance to assist a neighbor and chooses not to do so (5-9). For such transgressions, Job faces punishment (10-11). It is futile for him to find solace in the idea that God, in His grandeur, might disregard the trivial matters of earthly existence (12-14); this mindset mirrors that of the ancient wicked, who similarly underestimated God and met their demise suddenly by water and fire (15-20). Therefore, Job is called to approach God with humility and repentance, after which the Lord will restore His favor upon him and bless him with joy (21-30). These passages hint at the flood and the destruction of Sodom.