Job 5:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They justly receive their due punishment both inwardly and outwardly, as these unfortunate individuals have sinned in thought and action. Thus, the Psalmist rightly observes, "Thou shalt make them as a furnace of fire; in the time of thy wrath: the Lord hath mingled them in his fury, and the fire shall devour them" (Psalms 20:10). The one who is 'devoured' by fire burns externally, yet the furnace ignites internally. Therefore, during God’s anger, all the unrighteous become ‘like a furnace of fire’ while also being ‘consumed by fire,’ as they are cast out of His presence at the coming of the Judge. In this state, their consciences are tormented by the grief of unfulfilled desires, while external hell brings torment to their bodies.

The ‘scourge of the tongue’ can also indicate the decree of eternal destruction, where the just Judge utters to the condemned, “Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). The righteous, however, are 'hidden from the scourge of the tongue' and the sorrow to come. During such severe judgment, they will be comforted by the gentle voice of the Judge, who will say, “For I was hungry, and ye gave Me meat to eat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in; I was naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came to Me” (Matthew 25:35-36). Prior to this, the righteous will hear, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). Therefore, ‘in calamity and famine,’ the righteous shall ‘laugh,’ for as the final judgment crushes the wicked, he will rejoice in the splendor of his reward. At that moment, he will no longer have sympathy for the damned, as his human nature may withdraw in light of Divine Justice. By sharing in this Divine Justice, he is strengthened with a resolute inner fortitude. Those chosen for salvation, having been nurtured in the clarity of this Righteousness, become indifferent to compassion because the height of their happiness keeps them detached from suffering. Thus, it is appropriately declared by the Psalmist, "The Righteous man also shall see it, and shall fear, and then shall laugh at it, and say, ‘Behold, this is the man that hath made not God his helper’" (Psalm 51:8-9). The righteous presently see the wicked and feel fear, yet afterward, they will witness it and laugh. While they may now stumble in their imitation of the wicked, they are kept in fear, knowing they cannot follow the damned in eternity, thus lacking any sympathy for them. By understanding the inherent Justice of the Judge, they are filled with bliss and do not share in the plight of the eternally condemned. It would be erroneous to assume that their blessedness would be compromised if they were to desire something unattainable upon entering the kingdom. Those who establish themselves here by living according to the commandments already experience the foretaste of eternal security, freeing them from the fear of the enemy; even in the face of death, they are untroubled. For many righteous individuals actually find their beginning of reward in the tranquility of their dying. Thus it is rightly stated, "Thou shalt not fear the beast of the earth" (Job 5:22).

Our cunning adversary is likened to 'the beast of the earth,' as he attacks with the ferocity of his wild nature, capturing the souls of sinners at the moment of their death. Those he entices with flattery in life, he seizes violently in death. Conversely, the Lord promises the Church of the elect through the prophet that the predator shall not prevail against it. The just, upon facing death, are fearful of this 'beast of the earth,' which they did not fear during their lifetimes when not mindful of their Creator's power. Because the good willingly submit from the depths of their hearts to the reverence of God, they are freed from any burden of fear that arises from impending danger. The Psalmist appeals to the Lord, saying, "He shall not pluck up my soul like a lion" (Psalms 7:3). He further implores, "Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer, preserve my soul from the fear of the enemy" (Psalms 63:2). While alive, they have a profound respect for the Judge, ensuring that when they die, they will not fear the accuser. Hence, it is clearly stated, "Thou shalt not fear the beast of the earth." This implies that because they are not currently overcome by the enemy's temptations, they need not dread him in his wrath thereafter. However, while we strive to live rightly, we must be vigilant against the temptation to pride that can arise from our position. Therefore, the blessing upon our minds is justly invoked, and the following words appropriately continue...