Definition: How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and [how oft] cometh their destruction upon them! [God] distributeth sorrows in his anger.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Job 21:17. It’s a really powerful and poetic image about suffering and God’s judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about the constant and destructive nature of suffering and how it’s deliberately inflicted upon those who are wicked or bad. It's saying that wickedness always leads to pain and misery. Let’s unpack each part: “How oft is the candle of the wicked put out?” – Imagine a candle burning brightly, representing a person or situation filled with evil or wrongdoing. This verse means that this "candle" (representing someone's actions or a situation) always gets extinguished. It’s never truly lit up. “[how oft] cometh their destruction upon them!” – Now, the candle is burning out. This part emphasizes how often it goes out. The verse says that suffering and bad things always come to those who are wicked. It’s not a rare occurrence; it's a steady stream of pain. “[God] distributeth sorrows in his anger.” – This is the really important part. God isn’t just passively allowing these sorrows to happen. He’s deliberately distributing them, meaning he’s putting them out into the world with His own displeasure or judgment. It's like a slow, relentless storm of pain. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse is essentially saying that suffering is a natural consequence of wrongdoing. God doesn’t cause suffering; He allows it to happen because those who are wicked deserve it. It’s a reminder that there will always be consequences for our choices, and that God's justice is absolute. Why it’s significant: This verse is often interpreted as a commentary on the human condition – that we are prone to making mistakes and causing pain to ourselves and others. It can also suggest a sense of divine judgment and that there’s a reason for suffering, even if we don't fully understand it. Resources you might find helpful: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Job](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Job) – This website has detailed explanations and translations of the verse. Wikipedia - Job 21:17: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_21%3A17](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_21%3A17) – Provides a good overview of the context and meaning. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery used? Connect it to a particular theme or story in the Bible?