What does Job 21:18 mean?

Job 21:18 highlights themes such as transience, judgment, wickedness when read in context.

How should I apply Job 21:18 today?

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

They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

16Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

17How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.

18They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

19God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it.

20His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

transiencejudgmentwickedness

Matthew 3:12
Both verses use the imagery of chaff to describe the fate of the wicked.
Psalm 1:4
This verse similarly describes the fate of the wicked as being blown away.
Isaiah 29:5
Both verses convey the idea of the wicked being ultimately destroyed.