The sudden collapse of those who do evil serves as more than just an event of punishment. For those who remain faithful to God, witnessing this downfall becomes a profound source of strength, clarity, and hope. In the ongoing debate with Job, Eliphaz argues that while it may sometimes seem that wrongdoers escape consequences, true justice will ultimately reveal itself. When that moment arrives, the righteous experience a deep sense of joy.
Historically, this dynamic is identified with Noah and his sons [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. They lived to see the total destruction of the flood generation and rejoiced in their choice to remain devoted to God rather than being dragged down by the corrupted thinking of their peers.
On a deeper level, this joy does not stem from a simple desire for revenge. Rather, it arises from a clear recognition of divine justice. When the righteous witness the ruin of those who believed they were completely independent of God [ביאור שטיינזלץ], the reality of ultimate reward and punishment becomes undeniable. This clarity strengthens their faith in the eternal survival of the soul and the afterlife, bringing them genuine happiness in their ongoing service to Him [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, reflecting on the temporary prosperity that the wicked once enjoyed leads to an encouraging logical conclusion. If God is willing to grant such abundance to those who actively oppose His will, it is certain that He will grant even greater blessings to those who dedicate their lives to fulfilling it [אלשיך].
Alongside this joy, those who are innocent of wrongdoing look upon the wicked with a sense of mockery. They mock the sheer foolishness of those who thought they could outsmart justice and escape judgment, fully aware that these wrongdoers are destined for eternal consequences [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This ridicule is directed at the fragile illusion of power that the corrupt once held. Even when an innocent person is actively suffering and enduring hardship, as is the case with Job, they are expected to look past their pain and mock the temporary success of the wicked, resting securely in their understanding of a higher truth [אלשיך]. Ultimately, the joyful and mocking declarations of the righteous flow directly into the thoughts expressed immediately afterward [רמב״ן].