What does Job 20:5 mean?

Job 20:5 highlights themes such as justice, wickedness, transience when read in context.

How should I apply Job 20:5 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?

3I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.

4Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,

5That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?

6Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds;

7Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?

justicewickednesstransience

Psalm 37:10
Both verses affirm that the wicked will not endure.
Proverbs 24:19
This verse warns against fretting over evildoers, echoing Job's sentiment.
Matthew 7:13-14
These verses contrast the paths of the wicked and the righteous.