Why do the righteous suffer?

Preaching Outline on Job 21:7-16 – Why do the wicked live and grow old, and yet strive with might? Their seed is established with them before their face, and their increase before their eyes. Their houses have peace without fear, and the rod of God is not upon them.

Introduction to Job 21:7-16

Today we’re going to talk a bit about a question that has probably crossed your mind: “Why do the righteous suffer, while the wicked live in prosperity?”

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Even Job, an upright and God-fearing man, questioned this. And in Psalm 73, Asaph was also disturbed to see the wicked prospering while he, despite serving God, faced struggles.

But is the life of the wicked really that good? Is our struggle here not worth it? Let’s dive into Job 21:7-16 and find out the answer!

1. THE APPARENT PROSPERITY OF THE IMMIGRANTS (Job 21:7-13)

Job describes the life of the wicked, and look what a scene it is:

They live for many years, grow old and become even more powerful (v. 7).
His children grow up happy and prosperous (vv. 8-11).
They have riches, feasts and joy (v. 12).
They die in peace, without any apparent suffering (v. 13).

Sounds unfair, doesn’t it? Meanwhile, the righteous suffer, face illness, loss and hardship. Then we ask: “God, where is your justice?”

But calm down… Is this prosperity really a blessing?

2. THE LIE BEHIND THE PROSPERITY OF THE IMMIGRANTS (Job 21:14-16)

Job shows that, despite all their wealth, the wicked reject God:

They say: “God, get out of our lives! We don’t want to obey you!” (v. 14).
“Why serve God? What’s in it for us?” (v. 15).

In other words, their lives may seem good, but their hearts are far from God. And here comes the great truth:

“Their prosperity is not in their own hands” (v. 16).

Everything they have is fleeting. In the end, wealth doesn’t save anyone from death. And then what? Without God, all that remains is judgment.

3. THE TRUTH THAT THE IMMIGRANTS IGNORE (Psalm 73:16-17)

Asaph, in Psalm 73, was also disgusted by the prosperity of the wicked. He even thought:

“Is it worth it to be faithful to God?” (Ps 73:13).

But then he understood something when he went into the sanctuary (Ps 73:17). That is, when he sought God’s presence, everything became clear.

And what did he discover?

The fate of the wicked is destruction (Ps 73:18-20).
The righteous, even if they suffer now, have eternal treasure (Ps 73:23-26).

4. OUR HOPE (Romans 8:18)

Paul says something powerful:

“The sufferings of this present time cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us!”

In other words, the suffering here is fleeting, but the glory that comes after is eternal!

While the wicked live a “good life” now, but without God, we have something much greater:

God’s presence with us (Mt 28:20).
Eternal life (Jn 3:16).
A reward that never ends (Rev 22:12).

Conclusion of Job 21:7-16

Is it worth serving God?

you are suffering today and seeing the wicked prospering, remember:

Their prosperity is temporary – one day it will end.
The suffering of the righteous is not in vain – God is working on you.
Our reward is eternal – the best is yet to come!

So don’t exchange the eternal for the fleeting. Keep going, because God doesn’t make mistakes, and He will reward you!