Job 22:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

May the plot of the wicked not come near me. He includes St. Job among the wicked, who now share in their curse. The righteous have witnessed this and will take joy. Others may say they will laugh. Here, he refers to the degradation of the unfaithful, while the innocent mock them. Could this also apply to the saints? When the righteous observe sinners being judged by God’s fair decree, they shall see and be filled with joy. They delight in God's justice, just as He delights in them. Nonetheless, Eliphaz, despite speaking truthfully here, erred in equating the esteemed Job with sinners. The remnants after them were consumed by flames. What is left, specifically the gravest of sins, must face retribution on the day of judgment, for in this life no penalty adequately addresses the wickedness of sinners as they truly merit.

The righteous will witness the fate of the wicked and rejoice, while the innocent will mock them (Job 22:19). Yet, the truly righteous are not pleased with the downfall of others; they cannot take joy in the mistakes that lead to destruction. Rejoicing over the sins of others would mean sacrificing their own righteousness. Likewise, if they indulge in prideful joy at their perceived superiority, they stray from humility. This can be seen in the Pharisee who lost his justification because he took joy in being unlike the publican, proclaiming, "I thank Thee that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican" (Lk. 18:11).

Eliphaz delivers his final condemnation of Job, attempting to assert that since human virtue holds no value to God, the afflictions imposed are to be regarded as manifestations of God's impartial judgment. He argues that it is sinful for an individual to neglect doing good for their neighbor when presented with the opportunity. For these very transgressions, Job is enduring punishment. He may find no solace in believing that the Almighty, in His majesty, is unconcerned with the trivial matters of earth; such a perspective mirrors that of the ancient unrighteous, who similarly disregarded God’s ways and met their demise in disaster. Therefore, Job is urged to approach God with humility and repentance, promising that the Lord will once again bestow His grace upon him and grant him joy. These reflections evoke imagery reminiscent of the flood and the destruction of Sodom.