Success and failure are two sides that are always present in human life. Sometimes we can guess where failure will come from. But often it comes as a mystery based on things we cannot control. As believers we are invited to reflect on everything in the light of our relationship with God. So where does failure come from? We can only try to live it out in the light of God's revelation of faith.
It is not uncommon, however, to see attempts to attribute failures in life as part of the consequences of actions or retribution for past deeds. If success is a sign of God's presence and favor, then failure is a sign of his punishment. Such are the thoughts of some people. This included Zofar's argument for the consequences that the wicked would receive. Zofar accepts the teaching of God who brings everything in the principle of reciprocity, then tries to transmit what for him is the absolute truth to his friend Job.
To Zofar the wicked will definitely be wretched. They are the ones who are willing to manipulate others for profit. They seize other people's land that is not rightfully theirs. Violence against the poor had been rebuked by the prophets of Israel. No field of activity can be separated from God's will. Economic activity must serve the community and provide opportunities for the little people to get jobs and decent wages.
As a result of the greed of the wicked, they will always fear that their plans will fail and their influence will diminish; indeed, he knows no peace in his heart (verse 20). In abundance of luxury, he is full of worry and afflicted with great distress. Businesses that he had built and thought could not be destroyed would fail in such a way. That is God's reward for the ungodly.
Friends of the Bible, on the one hand Zophar's appeal to Job in this passage reminds us of the nature of man who is so greedy that he is even willing to oppress others. Isn't poverty today mostly due to structural factors or in other words, oppressive structures, as well as favoritism only for the rich? Similarly, modern people are fed with various media that seem to teach and justify the endless search for wealth and prosperity by justifying all means. We are encouraged to be content and reasonable in our pursuit of profit and fulfillment. Living a fulfilled life and being rich is not wrong, but it becomes inappropriate if it is obtained by inappropriate means, even to the point of oppressing others.
On the other hand, Zofar's argument that failure is always caused as God's punishment, we also need to criticize. Job was a wealthy man in the beginning, but he lost everything not because he sinned and was then punished by God. Things happen in our lives from His wisdom and discretion alone. Success or failure, rich or poor are conditions that all bring their own reflection and should lead to the conclusion that no matter what happens in our lives, God's honor and primacy in life must not be forgotten.
