Job 20:15
Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
يَبْتَلِعُ الثَّروَةَ ثُمَّ يَتَقَيّأُهَا، وَيَطْرُدُهَا اللهُ مِنْ مَعِدَتِهِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse is Zophar speaking to Job. He says that someone who swallows riches will vomit them back out, and God will make sure that happens. It's about how wealth can be fleeting and God controls what we keep.
Explained for Children
Imagine you eat a whole bag of candy really fast. You might feel sick and throw it all up. Zophar is saying that if someone grabs a bunch of money too quickly, they might have to give it all back, like throwing up candy. And God is like the grown-up who makes sure it happens.
Historical Background
Job 20 is part of the Book of Job, written around 2000-1500 B.C., during the time of the Patriarchs. Zophar, one of Job's friends, is speaking. The audience is the ancient Israelites, and the cultural setting reflects the belief in divine retribution for moral behavior.
Living It Out Today
Imagine someone who becomes rich quickly, like winning the lottery, and spends all the money on lavish things. Later, they might lose the money due to poor financial decisions or economic downturns. This verse reminds us that true wealth and security come from wisdom and God, not just material possessions.
Topics
richesdivine justicewisdomretributionmaterialismGod's sovereignty
Related Verses
Proverbs 10:2Luke 12:16-21Psalm 49:6-14Ecclesiastes 5:10-12Habakkuk 2:9-11
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'vomiting up riches' mean in Job 20:15?
It means that someone who gains wealth quickly might lose it just as fast. Zophar uses the analogy of vomiting to describe how a person might have to give back wealth they gained improperly.
Does Job 20:15 apply to everyone who gains wealth?
The verse isn't a blanket statement for everyone but is part of Zophar's argument that Job's suffering is due to hidden sins. It's a cautionary statement more than a universal law.
How does God's sovereignty relate to wealth in Job 20:15?
The verse suggests that God ultimately controls wealth. If someone loses what they gained, it's an indication of God's justice at work, making sure that all actions have consequences.
What can we learn about wealth from Job 20:15?
We can learn that true wealth isn't just material possessions but includes wisdom and righteousness. The verse warns against the illusion of security in wealth alone and emphasizes the importance of living justly.