18 "They are insignificant on the surface of the water ; Their portion is cursed on the earth . They do not turn toward the vineyards . 19 "Drought and heat consume the snow waters , So does Sheol those who have sinned . 20 "A mother will forget him; The worm feeds sweetly till he is no longer remembered . And wickedness will be broken like a tree . 21 "He wrongs the barren woman And does no good for the widow . 22 "But He drags off the valiant by His power ; He rises , but no one has assurance of life . 23 "He provides them with security , and they are supported ; And His eyes are on their ways . 24 "They are exalted a little while , then they are gone ; Moreover, they are brought low and like everything gathered up; Even like the heads of grain they are cut off . 25 "Now if it is not so , who can prove me a liar , And make my speech worthless ?"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 24:18-25
Commentary on Job 24:18-25
(Read Job 24:18-25)
Sometimes how gradual is the decay, how quiet the departure of a wicked person, how is he honoured, and how soon are all his cruelties and oppressions forgotten! They are taken off with other men, as the harvestman gathers the ears of corn as they come to hand. There will often appear much to resemble the wrong view of Providence Job takes in this chapter. But we are taught by the word of inspiration, that these notions are formed in ignorance, from partial views. The providence of God, in the affairs of men, is in every thing a just and wise providence. Let us apply this whenever the Lord may try us. He cannot do wrong. The unequalled sorrows of the Son of God when on earth, unless looked at in this view, perplex the mind. But when we behold him, as the sinner's Surety, bearing the curse, we can explain why he should endure that wrath which was due to sin, that Divine justice might be satisfied, and his people saved.