In the second cycle of speeches, the friends have focused on how the wicked are treated according to their tradition-inspired insight. Job, up to now, has focused on his own dire circumstances and his wish to confront God directly. Here he turns to the topic his friends have been addressing. But his voice is a counterpoint: the wicked prosper! Job addresses his friends with an appeal to listen (21:2–6). The thoughts he is about to articulate are bold and shocking. They undermine the …