The ultimate destiny of those who do wrong stands in sharp contrast to the comfort and security promised to the righteous. Instead of finding hope and protection, they face a complete physical and psychological collapse, marked by constant disappointment, helplessness, and a loss of direction.
They experience a state of prolonged, unfulfilled longing. The primary approach among commentators is that this reflects the deep disappointment of the wicked, though there are different perspectives on what exactly they wait for in vain. Some explain that this refers specifically to Job's enemies who celebrated his suffering. They will wait endlessly for his final ruin but will never see it, or they will be bitterly disappointed when they witness his renewed success and the honor he receives from others [רש״י, תקות אנוש, אלשיך]. Others suggest it refers to unrepentant people who hold onto a false hope that their past prosperity will eventually return [רמב״ן]. Alternatively, this unfulfilled longing reflects the very nature of the wicked. They are driven by material desires that can never be satisfied [מלבי״ם], or they live in a state of constant anxiety about impending disaster, even when they appear outwardly successful [רלב״ג].
When the time of reckoning finally arrives, these individuals will discover that they have completely lost any place of shelter or security [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רלב״ג, שטיינזלץ]. In their moment of deepest distress, there will be no one left to rely on and nowhere to run to escape their approaching ruin and death [מצודת דוד, תקות אנוש, מלבי״ם].
Ultimately, all their false expectations lead only to deep worry, profound sadness, and bitter disappointment [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רלב״ג]. This final state also carries a physical reality, describing the very moment the soul leaves the body and passes into destruction. This dark end directly contrasts with the hope for eternal life held by the righteous [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. Because their punishment is so absolutely certain, it is almost as if they are actively hoping for their own sorrow [מצודת דוד]. Yet, there is also a unique perspective regarding this final heartbreak. When the wicked witness the immense reward Job receives after enduring his trials, they will actually desire to experience that same suffering. They will hope that such pain might elevate them spiritually and finally push them toward true repentance [אלשיך].