The verse warns that material wealth will not last and that God’s justice is sure.
The increase of his house will depart; His possessions will flow away in the day of His anger. (Job 20:28)
In this verse, Zophar the Naamathite declares that the prosperity amassed by the wicked will inevitably vanish, highlighting God’s power to swiftly remove material blessings when He chooses. Scripturally, we see that earthly wealth can be lost without warning, as evidenced by Job’s sudden calamities, where what once seemed secure and abundant was gone in an instant. Job 1:13-22 illustrates how temporal possessions serve as a reminder that true security lies not in our material stores but in our relationship with God. Zophar’s description emphasizes that even what appears to be firmly entrenched—“the increase of his house”—can evaporate under divine judgment.
Zophar’s words align with a consistent biblical theme: God is not transactional or easily manipulated by works or wealth. Rather, He calls humanity to recognize that earthly riches can be fleeting. When Zophar describes that such “possessions will flow away” on the day of God’s anger, he underscores our dependence on the Creator, encouraging humility and a focus on eternal realities. Jesus likewise taught reliance on God above all else when He urged people to “store up” treasures in heaven rather than trust in possessions that can be destroyed or taken away (Matthew 6:19-20).
The Book of Job shows that suffering can expose whether our trust is in perishable wealth or in God. Despite his friends’ sometimes flawed conclusions, the reminder stands firm: God’s purposes are greater than mere material gain, and our earthly provisions can never fully guarantee security. Even so, scripture affirms that knowing God by faith—particularly in trials—offers far greater riches than any temporary increase (Job 42:5-6).
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Job 20:28 meaning
The increase of his house will depart; His possessions will flow away in the day of His anger. (Job 20:28)
In this verse, Zophar the Naamathite declares that the prosperity amassed by the wicked will inevitably vanish, highlighting God’s power to swiftly remove material blessings when He chooses. Scripturally, we see that earthly wealth can be lost without warning, as evidenced by Job’s sudden calamities, where what once seemed secure and abundant was gone in an instant. Job 1:13-22 illustrates how temporal possessions serve as a reminder that true security lies not in our material stores but in our relationship with God. Zophar’s description emphasizes that even what appears to be firmly entrenched—“the increase of his house”—can evaporate under divine judgment.
Zophar’s words align with a consistent biblical theme: God is not transactional or easily manipulated by works or wealth. Rather, He calls humanity to recognize that earthly riches can be fleeting. When Zophar describes that such “possessions will flow away” on the day of God’s anger, he underscores our dependence on the Creator, encouraging humility and a focus on eternal realities. Jesus likewise taught reliance on God above all else when He urged people to “store up” treasures in heaven rather than trust in possessions that can be destroyed or taken away (Matthew 6:19-20).
The Book of Job shows that suffering can expose whether our trust is in perishable wealth or in God. Despite his friends’ sometimes flawed conclusions, the reminder stands firm: God’s purposes are greater than mere material gain, and our earthly provisions can never fully guarantee security. Even so, scripture affirms that knowing God by faith—particularly in trials—offers far greater riches than any temporary increase (Job 42:5-6).