Job 34:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The one who does not endure the correction deserved by his actions is unlikely to rectify his wrongs, and the more he is spared, the deeper he plunges into sin. By disregarding the long-suffering nature of Divine mercy, he adds to his offenses the very factor that should lead him to repentance. Job accurately remarks that God grants him the opportunity for repentance, but he misuses it due to pride, as referenced in Job 24:23. Often, the lack of immediate punishment leads him to neglect the reality that his actions displease God. He may proceed with arrogance, engaging in various forms of blasphemy, indulging in sinful delights, stealing from others, and oppressing the innocent. Because he has yet to face judgment, he believes his actions are unnoticed by God, or worse, that he will succeed in his wickedness under the guise of divine approval.

However, an abrupt and eternal judgment awaits him. He will realize that he is under God's scrutiny when he faces sudden death as a consequence of his wrongdoings. In his torment, he will finally perceive the truth that he had long ignored in sin. He will come to understand that the righteous Judge has observed every act he failed to amend, unable to evade the desolation wrought by his sins. The unrighteous will come to recognize that the eyes of the Lord are indeed on all human paths, keeping watch over all their steps. It is as if it has been declared that He will not ultimately allow these sins, which He has observed with profound patience, to go unpunished. For behold, the cruel one is swept away in an instant, and the sins that were tolerated in patience are now met with judgment.

Let no one claim later, upon witnessing the unrestrained sinfulness of someone, that God is indifferent to human conduct. The one who has shown forbearance eventually acts without warning. Yet, the steps of humanity can refer to either our individual deeds or the fluctuations of our innermost thoughts. These thoughts can lead us away from the Lord or draw us closer through holiness. Our minds draw near to God as we nurture holy intentions, and conversely, drift away through our sinful thoughts. Thus, it may occur that even though our intentions have not translated into action, sin may already take root due to our wayward thoughts.

As it is written, "Hand in hand" does not denote the innocence of the wicked, as stated in Proverbs 11:21. Joined hands typically imply restfulness, a moment free from sinful actions. Therefore, even in moments of stillness, the wicked still bear guilt in their hearts. Knowing that both our deeds and thoughts are meticulously weighed, we must consider what awaits us for our wrongdoing, especially if God scrutinizes even the hidden intentions of our hearts. No one observes the secret stirrings of our mind, yet in God's eyes, each desire we harbor can be equated to a step we take. We stumble before Him whenever we stray from the righteous path due to capricious thoughts.

If our frequent mental lapses had not been under His watchful gaze, He would not have instructed the prophet, "Remove the evil of your thoughts from My sight," as found in Isaiah 1:16. In doing so, He illustrates the considerable weight of our hidden transgressions that He patiently bears. However, nothing escapes His notice, for every unlawful thought conceived in secrecy is an affront to Him. All things are laid bare before His eyes, as stated in Hebrews 4:13. Therefore, this understanding is crucial: