“Yet he shall perish forever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?
He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.”
— Job 20:7–8 (KJV)
These verses come from Zophar’s speech in Job 20, where he describes the ultimate downfall of the wicked. While Zophar wrongly applies these words to Job, the truths within his description reveal timeless wisdom about the temporary nature of ungodly prosperity and the certainty of divine justice.
Zophar paints a vivid and sobering picture: the wicked may rise, appear powerful, and enjoy their moment of success, but their glory fades swiftly. Verse 7 declares, “He shall perish forever like his own dung.” This stark image is meant to show that human pride and worldly achievement, when built apart from God, end in decay and disgrace. What once seemed impressive becomes worthless, like waste that is quickly discarded and forgotten.
The phrase, “They which have seen him shall say, Where is he?” emphasizes how swiftly memory fades. Those who once looked up to the proud man will one day search for him and find nothing. His influence, wealth, and legacy disappear like mist in the morning.
In verse 8, Zophar continues, “He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found.” Dreams can seem vivid and real while they last, but upon waking, they vanish. Likewise, the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting — it feels tangible for a time, but it evaporates when confronted by the reality of God’s justice.
The final phrase, “He shall be chased away as a vision of the night,” reinforces the idea of impermanence. Night visions or dreams dissolve with the dawn, leaving no trace behind. Zophar’s language is poetic yet piercing: everything built on arrogance, deceit, or sin cannot stand under the light of divine truth.
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🔑 Key Insights
1️⃣ The prosperity of the wicked is temporary — Zophar’s words remind us that no matter how powerful or wealthy the ungodly seem, their success will not last. Earthly gain without righteousness fades as quickly as a dream. What appears unshakable today can vanish overnight under God’s justice.
2️⃣ God’s judgment is certain — The imagery of being “chased away as a vision of the night” emphasizes divine retribution. Human pride cannot escape divine accountability. The wicked may build their lives on deceit or arrogance, but God’s truth always prevails.
3️⃣ The memory of the unrighteous fades — “They which have seen him shall say, Where is he?” shows that worldly fame and influence do not endure. Only what is done in obedience to God carries eternal value. All other legacies dissolve like shadows at sunrise.
4️⃣ Righteousness builds eternal foundations — In contrast to the fleeting success of the wicked, the righteous live with stability and peace. God sustains those who walk in truth and humbles those who rely on themselves.
5️⃣ Pride is the beginning of destruction — The fall of the wicked begins long before their visible collapse. Pride blinds the heart to correction, isolates the soul from truth, and ensures eventual ruin. Humility, on the other hand, keeps us under God’s covering.
🌿 Reflection
These verses are not simply a condemnation of sinners but a reminder for believers. They urge us to examine where we place our trust — in temporary success or eternal truth. The world often measures greatness by wealth, power, and recognition, yet Scripture continually exposes how fragile these foundations are without God.
The wicked may seem to thrive, but their glory fades as quickly as a passing dream. True success is found not in accumulation but in alignment — alignment with God’s Word, His will, and His wisdom.
When we walk humbly and live righteously, our lives bear fruit that outlasts time. God honors the faithful, even when their obedience goes unnoticed by the world. The contrast is clear: what is built on sin perishes; what is built on truth endures forever.
🙏 Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Teach me to build my life on righteousness, not on fleeting gain.
Guard my heart from pride and remind me that all success without You is temporary.
Help me to walk humbly, seek Your wisdom, and live with eternity in view.
May my actions reflect Your truth and my life bring You glory that never fades.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Heavenly Father,
Teach me to build my life on righteousness, not on fleeting gain.
Guard my heart from pride and remind me that all success without You is temporary.
Help me to walk humbly, seek Your wisdom, and live with eternity in view.
May my actions reflect Your truth and my life bring You glory that never fades.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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