Job 20:5 Expanded Part B

Part B

The wicked are defined as those who rebel against God. It is those who are evil in principle. These get into positions of power and start to force others and society into accepting their evil ways.

It was so bad in Israel that it was said, "" LORD, our crimes against you are many. Our sins accuse us. We are well aware of them all. We have rebelled against you, rejected you, and refused to follow you. We have oppressed others and turned away from you. Our thoughts are false; our words are lies. Justice is driven away, and right cannot come near. Truth stumbles in the public square, and honesty finds no place there. There is so little honesty that those who stop doing evil find themselves the victims of crime." The LORD has seen this, and he is displeased that there is no justice."
(Isaiah 59:12-15)

What an indictment, accusation against those in Israel, but what about today? Truth has been redefined. It is no longer judging something against a standard; it is now what society says it is (or more likely the courts or legislature). The wicked seem to win and may, but we, who know the one and only true God, know that this is temporary. The triumphing of the wicked is short, as in short lived.

The verse goes on to say, "the joy of a hypocrite but for a moment".
The time comes when they are found out.

Let us pray for one another, first, to take courage that the triumphing of the wicked is short, and secondly, to not be a hypocrite. A hypocrite might not only deceive others but also himself.

"Reeds can't grow where there is no water; they are never found outside a swamp. If the water dries up, they are the first to wither, while still too small to be cut and used. Godless people are like those reeds; their hope is gone, once God is forgotten. They trust a thread---a spider's web. If they lean on a web, will it hold them up? If they grab for a thread, will it help them stand?" Evil people sprout like weeds in the sun, like weeds that spread all through the garden. Their roots wrap around the stones and hold fast to every rock. But then pull them up--- no one will ever know they were there. Yes, that's all the joy evil people have; others now come and take their places. (Job 8:11-19)

Are you evil or a hypocrite? You can find out here "Are you a good person?"