21 They prey on the barren and childless woman, and to the widow they show no kindness.
21 He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.
21 "They wrong the barren, childless woman, and do no good to the widow.
21 Unscrupulous, they prey on those less fortunate.
21 For he preys on the barren who do not bear, And does no good for the widow.
21 They cheat the woman who has no son to help her. They refuse to help the needy widow.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 24:21
Commentary on Job 24:18-25
(Read Job 24:18-25)
Sometimes how gradual is the decay, how quiet the departure of a wicked person, how is he honoured, and how soon are all his cruelties and oppressions forgotten! They are taken off with other men, as the harvestman gathers the ears of corn as they come to hand. There will often appear much to resemble the wrong view of Providence Job takes in this chapter. But we are taught by the word of inspiration, that these notions are formed in ignorance, from partial views. The providence of God, in the affairs of men, is in every thing a just and wise providence. Let us apply this whenever the Lord may try us. He cannot do wrong. The unequalled sorrows of the Son of God when on earth, unless looked at in this view, perplex the mind. But when we behold him, as the sinner's Surety, bearing the curse, we can explain why he should endure that wrath which was due to sin, that Divine justice might be satisfied, and his people saved.