Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. Knowest thou not this of old ] This is a maxim as ancient as the world; it began with the first man: A wicked man shall triumph but a short time; God will destroy the proud doer.
Since man was placed upon earth ] Literally, since ADAM was placed on the earth; that is, since the fall, wickedness and hypocrisy have existed; but they have never triumphed long. Thou hast lately been expressing confidence in reference to a general judgment; but such is thy character, that thou hast little reason to anticipate with any joy the decisions of that day.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - Zophar's discourse is upon the certain misery of the wicked. The triumph of the wicked and the joy of the hypocrite are fleeting. The pleasures and gains of sin bring disease and pain; they end in remorse anguish, and ruin. Dissembled piety is double iniquity, and the rui that attends it will be accordingly.
Original Hebrew הזאת2063 ידעת3045 מני4480 עד5703 מני4480 שׂים7760 אדם120 עלי5921 ארץ׃776
