Their judgment being clouded by prejudice, the tirade against Job by his three friends continues. We will again remind you that what is spoken by Job’s friends is truth but it is misapplied truth. 

The verses before us are worthy of study in this day in which we have seen wicked men honoured and feted. The highest positions in our government are occupied by men of the most wicked reputation. A convicted leader of the IRA who directed terrorist operations, Martin McGuinness, has ben welcomed at the Queen's banqueting table! 

McGuinness and fellow republicans who engaged in terrorism are invited to speak to prestigious groups and meet with world leaders.

Such being the case, these words form a worthy study for us. 

This portion will remind us of the harvest of wickedness and drive away any temptation to believe that wickedness pays off!

It will surely refresh our souls and lighten our hearts as we consider what God’s word has to say on such matters and what lies in store for those who engage in the ways of wickedness..

I. THE ELEVATION TO WHICH WICKED MEN MAY REACH

Three words are used here that remind us that wicked men may gain great heights of influence and power and honour among men.

1. The wicked may rise quickly and powerfully. The word for excellency, verse 6, comes from the rising of the waves of the sea, Psalm 89:9. They arise out of nowhere it and what force they possess. The wicked may reach unto the clouds, verse 6.

2. Their voices may be raised in triumph. The word used here is found in Psalm 100:2, singing. It refers to the triumphant anthem sung by the redeemed when Christ shall rule the earth. The wicked at times will sound as if they rule the earth. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn,” Proverbs 29:2. Gen 45:26. Sinn Fein would claim that their day had come. 

3. Their voices may be raised in great joy. Again, the word is frequently used of the rejoicing of God’s people. I Chron 29:22. What makes the wicked rejoice is very different from that which makes the righteous rejoice, Rev 11:7-10. Some laughed at Calvary, Matt 27:39-43. Rev 19:18-20.

II. THE ENDURANCE OF SUCH ELEVATION IS SHORT-LIVED.

It is short,  but for a moment,  like a dream, 5, 8. Eccles 7:6.

1. It will be short-lived for they rise in defiance of God. A Holy God will not, cannot, permit the wicked to continue long  for they are an offence to Him. Here is why Sodom perished, Gen 18:20. Here is why the system of Antichrist will perish, Rev 18:5.

Vomit, verse 15. No lasting benefits.

2. It will be short-lived because there is nothing but the flesh upholding it. The flesh is a declining energy, a power subject to decay. Job 34:15, I Peter 1:24, I John 2:16-17.

3. It will be short-lived for such elevation is contrary to the saints joy and comfort. The operating principle behind the providences of God is given us in Rom 8:28. If it is not for our good, then it will not be permitted to continue. Psalm 125:3.

III. THE HARVEST OF SUCH TRIUMPHING WILL BE IGNOMINIOUS

1. The end depicted by God is most dreadful. How odious in the eyes of God is man’s sin. Verse 7 indicates how vile is sin. Rev 3:16 repeats this impression of vileness. “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

2. It will come with surprising swiftness. He shall be taken before companions notice, verse 7. Psalm 73:19.

3. It will be utter and absolute. No trace left as with a dream.

LESSONS

A. We should not despair at the triumphing of the wicked.

B. We should not fear.

C. We should not envy the wicked in their hour of triumph.

D. We should quietly wait in faith for the fulfilling of God’s purpose.