Not Without God

Proverbs 11:7 (NLT)
When the wicked die, their hopes all perish, for they rely on their own feeble strength.

These verses, like Proverbs 10:3, contrast two paths in life, but are not intended to apply universally to all people in all circumstances. God’s people are not excluded from problems or struggles. If a person follows God’s wisdom, however, God can rescue him or her from trouble. But a wicked person will fall into his or her own traps. Even if good people suffer, they can be sure they will ultimately be rescued from eternal death.

Proverbs 10:3 (NLT)
The Lord will not let the godly starve to death, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.

Proverbs is full of verses contrasting the righteous person with the wicked. These statements are not intended to apply universally to all people in every situation. For example, some good people do go hungry. Rather, they are intended to communicate the general truth that the life of the person who seeks God is better in the long run than the life of the wicked person—a life that leads to ruin. These statements are not ironclad promises, but general truths. In addition, a proverb like this assumes a just government that cares for the poor and needy—the kind of government Israel was intended to have (see Deut. 24:17-22). A corrupt government often thwarts the plans of righteous men and women.

Job 8:11-22 (NLT)
"Can papyrus reeds grow where there is no marsh? Can bulrushes flourish where there is no water? While they are still flowering, not ready to be cut, they begin to wither. Such is the fate of all who forget God. The hope of the godless comes to nothing. Everything they count on will collapse. They are leaning on a spiderweb. They cling to their home for security, but it won't last. They try to hold it fast, but it will not endure. The godless seem so strong, like a lush plant growing in the sunshine, its branches spreading across the garden. Its roots grow down through a pile of rocks to hold it firm. But when it is uprooted, it isn't even missed! That is the end of its life, and others spring up from the earth to replace it.
"But look! God will not reject a person of integrity, nor will he make evildoers prosper. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be destroyed."

Bildad wrongly assumed that Job was trusting in something other than God for security, so he pointed out that such supports will collapse (“what he trusts in is fragile”). One of man’s basic needs is security, and people will do almost anything to feel secure. Eventually, however, our money, possessions, knowledge, and relationships will fail or be gone. Only God can give lasting security. What have you trusted for your security? How lasting is it? If you have a secure foundation with God, feelings of insecurity will not undermine you.