Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Job 21:7

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

Ver. 7. Wherefore do the wicked live, are lifted up, and strengthened by riches? 45. For except the patience of God bore with them, they would never live long in their sins. For they are 'lifted up by riches,' when they first begin to be powerful, but they are 'strengthened,' when they are permitted to continue long in this life. Since those whose substance uplifts them, length of days strengthens in the pride of their power. …

Morals on the Book of Job, Book XV ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Since these premises were sufficient to call the others to attention, he proceeds to the question. Since Sophar had said (20:5) that the prosperity of evil men, if it happens, ends in a brief time and is changed into evil for them, Job, therefore, disproves this immediately saying, "Why, then, do the wicked live," a long time? As if he should say: If the evil man flies away like the bird or passes quickly like a vision in the night, (20:8) why is it that many evil men have a very long life? …

Commentary on Job ↗