Still, their prosperity is not in their own handsThis phrase reflects the belief that true prosperity is ultimately governed by God, not by human effort or control. In the context of Job, it challenges the assumption that wealth and success are direct indicators of righteousness. This idea is echoed in
Proverbs 16:9, which states that while humans plan their course, the Lord establishes their steps. Theologically, this underscores the sovereignty of God over human affairs, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Historically, the ancient Near Eastern cultures often attributed prosperity to divine favor, yet Job's assertion here questions the simplistic equation of wealth with divine approval.
so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked
Job distances himself from the advice and lifestyle of the wicked, emphasizing his commitment to righteousness despite his suffering. This reflects Psalm 1:1, which blesses those who do not walk in the counsel of the wicked. The cultural context of the time often saw the wicked as those who defied God's laws and pursued selfish gain. Job's stance is a declaration of his integrity and faithfulness to God, even when the prosperity of the wicked seems to contradict divine justice. This also foreshadows the New Testament teaching in 1 Corinthians 15:33, which warns that bad company corrupts good character, highlighting the importance of aligning oneself with godly counsel.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. In this chapter, Job is responding to his friends' arguments about the prosperity of the wicked.
2.
The WickedRefers to those who live in opposition to God's ways, often prospering in worldly terms despite their unrighteousness.
3.
Job's FriendsEliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who argue that suffering is a result of personal sin and that prosperity is a sign of righteousness.
4.
UzThe land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.
5.
GodThe ultimate judge and sovereign ruler, whose wisdom and justice are central themes in the Book of Job.
Teaching Points
The Illusion of Self-SufficiencyThe prosperity of the wicked is not truly in their control; it is temporary and ultimately subject to God's sovereignty.
Avoiding the Counsel of the WickedBelievers are called to distance themselves from ungodly advice and practices, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God.
Trusting in God's JusticeEven when the wicked seem to prosper, trust that God's justice will prevail in His perfect timing.
The Temporary Nature of Earthly ProsperityEarthly wealth and success are fleeting; eternal values and righteousness should be our focus.
The Importance of PerspectiveMaintaining a godly perspective helps us navigate the apparent injustices of life, keeping our faith anchored in God's promises.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Job 21:16?
2. How does Job 21:16 challenge the prosperity of the wicked in our society?
3. What does Job 21:16 reveal about God's control over the wicked's prosperity?
4. How can Job 21:16 deepen our trust in God's ultimate justice?
5. In what ways does Job 21:16 connect with Psalm 73's view on the wicked?
6. How should Job 21:16 influence our response to the success of ungodly people?
7. Why does Job 21:16 question the prosperity of the wicked if God is just?
8. How does Job 21:16 align with the concept of divine justice?
9. What does Job 21:16 reveal about God's control over human prosperity?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 21?
11. What does 'lamp of the wicked' mean in Proverbs?
12. In Job 21:19-21, does the idea of children suffering for a parent's wrongdoing clash with other biblical teachings on individual responsibility?
13. In Job 20:6-7, how can Zophar's claim that the wicked perish quickly align with historical records showing many oppressive rulers prospered for extended periods?
14. Job 11:20 asserts the wicked lose hope, yet history and modern times show many unethical people prosper. How is this reconciled?What Does Job 21:16 Mean
StillJob has just finished describing how comfortably the ungodly seem to live. The single word “Still” (Job 21:16) signals a shift—an inward resolve not to be carried away by appearances.
• Asaph voices the same tension: “Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree, they increase in wealth” (Psalm 73:12).
• Jeremiah asks, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” (Jeremiah 12:1).
• Scripture acknowledges the temporary success of sinners, yet insists there is more to the story than meets the eye.
their prosperity is not in their own hands“their prosperity is not in their own hands” (Job 21:16).
• God is the true source of all success: “Remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you power to gain wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
• “The LORD makes poor and makes rich” (1 Samuel 2:7).
• Psalm 75:6-7 states promotion “does not come from the east or the west… but God is Judge.”
• When we grasp that the wicked hold nothing independently, envy loses its grip (Psalm 73:17-20).
so I stay far“So I stay far” (Job 21:16).
• Job chooses distance, echoing “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1).
• Proverbs warns, “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked” (Proverbs 4:14).
• Paul urges, “Flee these things… pursue righteousness” (1 Timothy 6:11).
• Separation is not withdrawal from the world but refusal to imitate the ungodly (2 Corinthians 6:17).
from the counsel of the wickedJob refuses their advice and worldview.
• The wicked declare, “Depart from us!” to God (Job 21:14), so their counsel is godless.
• “I do not sit with deceitful men… I abhor the assembly of evildoers” (Psalm 26:4-5).
• Proverbs 12:5 contrasts “the thoughts of the righteous” with “the counsel of the wicked.”
• “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
• By stepping away, Job aligns with James 4:7—submit to God, resist evil influence.
summaryJob 21:16 teaches that the apparent prosperity of the ungodly is never self-made but granted—and ultimately limited—by God. Recognizing God’s sovereignty frees us from envy and motivates us, like Job, to keep clear of the thinking and strategies of those who reject the Lord.
(16) L
o, their good (
i.e., their prosperity)
is not in their own hand.--And that constitutes the mystery of it, for it is God who gives it to them; or the words may be a hypothetical answer to his statement, thus, "Lo, thou repliest, their prosperity is not," &c.; and then the words, "the counsel of the wicked is far from me," are Job's indignant repudiation of all knowledge of their reasoning.
Verse 16. -
Lo, their good is not in their hand;
i.e. their prosperity is not in their own power, not the result of their own efforts. God's providence is, at least, one element in it, since he exalts men and abases them, he casteth down and lifteth up. Hence it would seem to follow that they are his favourites. Shall Job therefore cast in his lot with them? No, he says, a thousand times, No!
The counsel of the wicked is far from me; or better,
be the counsel of the wicked far from me! I will have nothing to do with it. I will cling to God. I will maintain my integrity. Satan had charged Job with serving God for the sake of temporal reward. Job had disproved the charge by still clinging to God, notwithstanding all his afflictions. Now he goes further, and declines to throw in his lot with the wicked, even although it should appear that the balance of prosperity is with them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Yetהֵ֤ן (hên)Interjection
Strong's 2005: Lo! behold!their prosperity [is]טוּבָ֑ם (ṭū·ḇām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2898: Good, goodness, beauty, gladness, welfarenotלֹ֣א (lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, noin their own hands,בְיָדָ֣ם (ḇə·yā·ḏām)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3027: A handso I stay farרָ֣חֲקָה (rā·ḥă·qāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7368: To be or become far or distantfrom the counselעֲצַ֥ת (‘ă·ṣaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudenceof the wicked.רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים (rə·šā·‘îm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person
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OT Poetry: Job 21:16 Behold their prosperity is not in their (Jb) 
