Daily Devotional | Bildad: The Fate of the Wicked

The “Innocence Project” states that part of its mission is “to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions...for everyone.” Thanks to DNA technology, several wrongly convicted individuals have been proven innocent of the crimes of which they were accused. If only there was a DNA test for morals and ethics that Job could have taken to prove his innocence to his friends.

Bildad’s second response to Job was harsh. He lectured Job on the fate of the wicked. He used metaphors to drive home his point. The wicked person’s lamp is snuffed out. His flame stops burning. His step weakens. Terrors startle him. His roots dry up and his branches wither. He is driven into darkness. These are but a few of his descriptions. Finally, he states that “such is the place of one who knows not God” (v. 21).

If Bildad is referring to the unbeliever’s eternal destiny, then he is right. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. He is describing the wicked and/or unbelieving person in this life. This absolute description just isn’t accurate.

Let’s ask Asaph, the author of Psalm 73. He writes: “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills” (vv. 3–5). “This is what the wicked are like—always free of care, they go on amassing wealth” (v. 12). The point is, the wicked may suffer in this life, but they may also prosper. The same is true for the righteous. But while both may suffer, God has a purpose for the difficult times in the life of His saints. Our job is to seek Him during those times.

Go Deeper

Why do the wicked seem to prosper in this lifetime while the righteous suffer? What is the fate of the wicked?

Pray with Us: Lord Jesus Christ, You have promised rest to all those who trust in You! By Your Spirit, help us see Your purpose for our lives even in the most difficult times and turn to You, not away from You, with our worries.

BY Eric W. Moore

Eric Moore is Professor and Chair of the Applied Theology Field at Moody Theological Seminary. Eric is graduate of Michigan State University, Dallas Theological Seminary, the University of Michigan, and Western Seminary. He is the author of Pastoring the Small Church and a contributor to the One Volume Seminary (Moody Publishers). He has pastored Tree of Life Bible Fellowship church for over two decades. Eric and his wife, Marilyn, live in southeast Michigan and have three children.