איוב, פרק כ״ב, פסוק י״ז

The arrogant worldview of those who deny Divine providence forms a central part of Eliphaz's response to Job's earlier claims about the success of the wicked [תקות אנוש]. These individuals demand that God distance Himself and stop interfering in their lives [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This bold demand stems from their belief that no meaningful relationship exists between humanity and the Creator that would justify His direct supervision over their actions [תקות אנוש]. Taking a different perspective, some explain that the wicked are not making a demand, but rather claiming that God has already completely removed His oversight from them [רמב"ן]. In their minds, He has handed the governance of the world entirely over to the laws of nature and the celestial systems [מצודת דוד].

Building on this mindset, they question what God actually does for them. They operate under the false assumption that God has absolutely no influence on their lives [ביאור שטיינזלץ], or they assume they are simply not important enough in His eyes to warrant His active involvement [תקות אנוש]. Alternatively, this defiant attitude serves as their own proof that there is no Divine punishment. They boast that despite explicitly asking God to turn away from them, He does them no harm and fails to punish their sins [מלבי"ם]. This reality raises a natural question: why does God not simply grant their request, step back, and stop showering them with goodness? [אלשיך].

Eliphaz brings up these arrogant claims to prove to Job that those who stray and deny God's involvement are ultimately destined to be wiped from the earth. Contrary to the claims of the wicked, the righteous are indeed watched over for the good by God, and they will eventually witness the total downfall of the wicked [תקות אנוש].