איוב, פרק כ״א, פסוק ט׳

The lives of the wicked often display a baffling reality of absolute security and surprising immunity from harm. Their existence is marked by complete peace, with no anxiety for the safety of their homes or their families [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This profound sense of safety goes beyond ordinary physical security, as even harmful spiritual forces hold no sway over them [רש״י]. Furthermore, they are not left in peace simply because they are poor and lack anything worth stealing. Instead, they project such terror upon the world that no human dares to cross them or take their property [אלשיך].

Beyond human threats, the wicked are entirely free from the disasters, suffering, and plagues that come from God [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It is understandable that flesh and blood robbers avoid them out of fear, but illnesses and suffering have no reason to be afraid. Yet, strangely, these afflictions also pass over them. This reality raises a deep sense of wonder as to why God's wrath does not strike them.

This absence of divine punishment can also be understood in terms of wealth. Rather than suffering the crushing blow of poverty, the wicked enjoy vast riches [אלשיך]. From another angle, this reality highlights a deeply broken justice system. The peace they experience does not come from a healthy fear of judges or police who enforce the law, as true divine justice is absent from their society. Ultimately, their safety rests entirely on the fear they themselves instill in everyone around them [אלשיך].