The righteous see it and are glad; the innocent one mocks at them,
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's often missed here is that the "gladness" and "scorn" aren't about schadenfreude—rejoicing in another's misery. Instead, it's a deep delight in God's justice and holiness being vindicated, a joy that His ways are proven true, especially when the wicked's boastful confidence is shattered before their eyes.
The righteous see it and are glad; the innocent one mocks at them,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Eliphaz is presenting his case against Job, arguing that Job's immense suffering must be a consequence of hidden sin. He's been describing the downfall of the wicked, suggesting that their prosperity is fleeting and their end is certain. This verse celebrates the righteous observing the destruction of those who defied God, finding gladness not in cruelty, but in the vindication of divine justice.
Ever felt a sense of satisfaction when justice finally prevails? This verse explains why righteous people experience this, not out of malice, but deep within their spirit.
The righteous and innocent don't celebrate the suffering of others. Instead, their gladness stems from witnessing God's justice and holiness on display. When the wicked are punished, it's a powerful affirmation that God's ways are true and His character is pure. This joy isn't about gloating over someone's downfall, but about the profound relief and affirmation that comes from seeing God's order restored and His justice affirmed. It's a recognition that God, the ultimate Judge, is righteous and fair in all His dealings.
Why would the 'innocent' mock those facing judgment? It’s not about cruelty, but about the exposed folly of defying the Almighty.
The laughter and scorn mentioned here aren't born from a desire to inflict pain. Instead, they arise from the sheer absurdity of the wicked's defiance against God. The wicked often boast in their strength, their cunning plans, or their denial of God's power, as Eliphaz suggests in verse 18 ('God does not know'). When God's judgment finally falls, it starkly reveals the emptiness and foolishness of their pride and their false confidence. The 'innocent' mock not the suffering, but the exposed arrogance and blindness of those who thought they could ultimately escape or defy divine justice.
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tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who are in a right standing with God through faith and obedience. Being righteous means living in conformity with God’s standard of holiness and justice, resulting in covenantal favor.
naqi · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to someone free from moral guilt or fault, particularly in relation to covenant obedience. It signifies integrity of character and freedom from the specific charges or evils that characterize the wicked.
This psalm rejoices in God's judgment on the wicked, stating 'The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,' which echoes the gladness of the righteous in Job 22:19.
Proverbs 11:10This verse highlights the positive impact of righteousness on a community: 'When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices.' This connects to the joy seen when the wicked are removed and righteousness prevails, as described in Job 22:19.
Revelation 19:1-3This passage describes a great multitude in heaven shouting 'Hallelujah!' because God has judged the great prostitute and avenged the blood of his servants. This heavenly celebration of divine justice mirrors the gladness and scorn expressed by the righteous in Job 22:19 when they see God's judgment executed.
Psalm 107:41-42This psalm speaks of God exalting the needy and increasing their families like a flock, while the upright witness and rejoice over the wicked's destruction. This directly parallels the scene in Job 22:19 where the righteous observe and are glad at the downfall of their adversaries.
gillJob 22:19: "The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn."
The righteous see it, and are glad,.... Not the counsel of the wicked, nor their outward prosperity, but their ruin and destruction, which is sure and certain; though it may sometimes seem to linger, it is often public and visible to the view of every man, being made public examples, see Psalm 91:8 ; and which is matter of joy and gladness to truly good and righteous men; who have the righteousness of Christ…
bensonJob 22:19: "The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn."
Job 22:19 . The righteous see it — Whom God often spares in common calamities, and gives them to see the destruction of the wicked; as Noah, Lot, &c. And are glad — Not that they insult over, or rejoice in, the ruin of any men, but because they delight in the vindication of God’s honour, and justice, and holiness, which is connected with the destruction of his enemies, and which is, and ought to be, dearer to…
What's often missed here is that the "gladness" and "scorn" aren't about schadenfreude—rejoicing in another's misery. Instead, it's a deep delight in God's justice and holiness being vindicated, a joy that His ways are proven true, especially when the wicked's boastful confidence is shattered before their eyes.
Eliphaz is presenting his case against Job, arguing that Job's immense suffering must be a consequence of hidden sin. He's been describing the downfall of the wicked, suggesting that their prosperity is fleeting and their end is certain. This verse celebrates the righteous observing the destruction of those who defied God, finding gladness not in cruelty, but in the vindication of divine justice.
Eliphaz is presenting his case against Job, arguing that Job's immense suffering must be a consequence of hidden sin. He's been describing the downfall of the wicked, suggesting that their prosperity is fleeting and their end is certain. This verse celebrates the righteous observing the destruction of those who defied God, finding gladness not in cruelty, but in the vindication of divine justice.
"The righteous see it and are glad; the innocent one mocks at them," — What's often missed here is that the "gladness" and "scorn" aren't about schadenfreude—rejoicing in another's misery. Instead, it's a deep delight in God's justice and holiness being vindicated, a jo…
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Last reviewed October 2026