5 that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
5 that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment?
5 The good times of the wicked are short-lived; godless joy is only momentary.
5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, And the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment?
5 the triumph of the wicked has been short lived and the joy of the godless has been only temporary?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 20:5
Commentary on Job 20:1-9
(Read Job 20:1-9)
Zophar's discourse is upon the certain misery of the wicked. The triumph of the wicked and the joy of the hypocrite are fleeting. The pleasures and gains of sin bring disease and pain; they end in remorse, anguish, and ruin. Dissembled piety is double iniquity, and the ruin that attends it will be accordingly.