Job 27:19
He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more; when he opens his eyes, all is gone.
He lies down wealthy
This phrase reflects the transient nature of earthly wealth, a theme prevalent throughout the Book of Job. Job, once a wealthy man himself, understands the fleeting nature of material possessions. The Bible often contrasts earthly wealth with spiritual riches, as seen in Proverbs 23:4-5, which warns against toiling to acquire wealth because it can disappear suddenly. The cultural context of the ancient Near East placed significant value on wealth as a sign of divine favor, yet Job's experience challenges this notion, emphasizing that wealth is not a reliable indicator of one's standing with God.

but will do so no more
This part of the verse suggests a sudden and irreversible change in circumstances. It echoes the biblical principle that life is uncertain and that wealth cannot provide security or longevity. James 4:13-14 in the New Testament reiterates this by reminding believers that life is like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. The historical context of Job's story, set in a patriarchal society where wealth was often passed down through generations, underscores the shock and finality of losing one's wealth and status.

when he opens his eyes, all is gone
This phrase highlights the abruptness with which wealth can disappear, akin to waking from a dream. It serves as a metaphor for the unpredictability of life and the futility of placing trust in material possessions. The imagery of opening one's eyes to find everything gone can be connected to Jesus' teachings in the Gospels, where He warns against storing up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy (Matthew 6:19-20). This serves as a reminder of the eternal perspective that prioritizes spiritual wealth over temporal riches.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job is speaking in this passage, continuing his discourse on the fate of the wicked.

2. The Wicked
Although not named, the wicked are the subject of Job's discourse. Job describes their temporary prosperity and ultimate downfall.

3. Wealth
Represents the material possessions and riches that the wicked accumulate, which are ultimately transient.

4. Sleep/Death
The act of lying down symbolizes death or the end of life, where earthly wealth holds no value.

5. Loss
The sudden disappearance of wealth upon awakening signifies the impermanence of material riches and the ultimate judgment.
Teaching Points
The Transience of Earthly Wealth
Earthly riches are temporary and can disappear suddenly. Believers should focus on storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

The Illusion of Security
Wealth can create a false sense of security. True security is found in a relationship with God, not in material possessions.

The Reality of Judgment
The fate of the wicked serves as a reminder of the reality of divine judgment. Believers should live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual over material wealth.

Contentment in God
Contentment should be found in God alone, not in the accumulation of wealth. Trust in God's provision and sovereignty.

Eternal Perspective
An eternal perspective helps believers navigate the challenges of life, focusing on what truly matters in the light of eternity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 27:19 challenge our understanding of wealth and security in today's society?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our focus remains on eternal treasures rather than temporary riches?

3. How does the theme of impermanence in Job 27:19 relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate contentment in God rather than in material possessions?

5. How can the reality of divine judgment influence our daily decisions and priorities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ecclesiastes 5:15
This verse echoes the theme of the impermanence of wealth, emphasizing that one cannot take material possessions beyond the grave.

Luke 12:20
Jesus' parable of the rich fool highlights the futility of storing up earthly treasures without being rich toward God.

1 Timothy 6:7
Paul reminds believers that we bring nothing into the world and can take nothing out, reinforcing the transient nature of material wealth.
Job a Victor in the ControversyE. Johnson Job 27:1-23
God's Treatment of Wicked MenHomilistJob 27:11-23
Zophar's Missing SpeechAlbert Barnes.Job 27:11-23
The Portion of a Wicked ManW.F. Adeney Job 27:13-23
The Reward of IniquityR. Green Job 27:13-23
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Bed, Fathers, Full, Gather, Gathered, Goes, Lie, Lies, Lieth, Longer, Opened, Openeth, Opening, Opens, Rest, Rich, Sees, Wealth, Wealthy
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 27:16-19

     8761   fools, in teaching of Christ

Library
The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity
Who, then, is this "wicked man," thus portrayed before us? And what are the first symptoms of his depravity? We ask not the question idly, but in order that we take heed against the uprise of such an evil in ourselves. "Beneath the saintly veil the votary of sin May lurk unseen; and to that eye alone Which penetrates the heart, may stand revealed." The hypocrite is very often an exceedingly neat imitation of the Christian. To the common observer he is so good a counterfeit that he entirely escapes
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Whether Hypocrisy is Contrary to the virtue of Truth?
Objection 1: It seems that hypocrisy is not contrary to the virtue of truth. For in dissimulation or hypocrisy there is a sign and a thing signified. Now with regard to neither of these does it seem to be opposed to any special virtue: for a hypocrite simulates any virtue, and by means of any virtuous deeds, such as fasting, prayer and alms deeds, as stated in Mat. 6:1-18. Therefore hypocrisy is not specially opposed to the virtue of truth. Objection 2: Further, all dissimulation seems to proceed
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

On the Interior Man
The interior man is the rational soul; in the apostle: have in your hearts, in the interior man, Christ through faith. [Eph. 3:16] His head is Christ; in the apostle: the head of the man is Christ. [I Cor. 11:3] The crown of the head is the height of righteousness; in Solomon: for the crown of your head has received the crown of grace. The same in a bad part: the crown of hairs having walked about in their own delights, that is, in the height of iniquity. [Prov. 4:9; Ps. 67(68):22(21)] The hair is
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

Wesley in St. Albans Abbey
Monday, July 30.--l preached at Bingham, ten miles from Nottingham. I really admired the exquisite stupidity of the people. They gaped and stared while I was speaking of death and judgment, as if they had never heard of such things before. And they were not helped by two surly, ill-mannered clergymen, who seemed to be just as wise as themselves. The congregation at Houghton in the evening was more noble, behaving with the utmost decency. Tuesday, 31.--At nine I preached in the market place at Loughborough,
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
1. Conviction of guilt necessary.--2. A charge of rebellion against God advanced.--3. Where it is shown--that all men are born under God's law.--4. That no man hath perfectly kept it.--5. An appeal to the reader's conscience on this head, that he hath not.--6. That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great.--7. Illustrated by a more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, arising--from knowledge.--8. From divine favors received.--9. From convictions of conscience overborne.--10.
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

God's Sovereignty and Prayer
"If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us" (1 John 5:14). Throughout this book it has been our chief aim to exalt the Creator and abase the creature. The well-nigh universal tendency now, is to magnify man and dishonour and degrade God. On every hand it will be found that, when spiritual things are under discussion, the human side and element is pressed and stressed, and the Divine side, if not altogether ignored, is relegated to the background. This holds true of very much of the
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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