What does Job Chapter 21 say, and which statements belong to its speaker?

As summarized in the editorial heading, Job demonstrates that the wicked frequently prosper in this present world even to the end of their lives, while their true judgment belongs to another world. Urging his companions to listen patiently to his words and do penance, Job asks them to let him speak, after which they may laugh if they choose. He points out that his dispute is not merely with man, giving him just cause to be troubled; he bids them look upon him with astonishment and place their fingers upon their mouths in silence. Whenever he reflects upon this profound mystery, fear and trembling take hold of his flesh.

Job asks why the wicked continue to live, advance in status, and grow mighty in riches. Their lineage flourishes before their eyes, surrounded by kinsmen and generations of grandchildren. Their homes remain secure and peaceable, entirely untouched by the punishing rod of God. Their cattle conceive without fail, their cows calve without losing their fruit, and their little children run about like joyful flocks, dancing and playing. They make merry with the timbrel and harp, rejoicing at the sound of the organ. They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to hell. These are the very men who openly say to God: Depart from us, for we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways; who is the Almighty that we should serve Him, and what profit is there if we pray to Him? Job says their good things are not in their hand and asks that the counsel of the wicked be far from him.

Job asks how often the lamp of the wicked shall be put out, a deluge come and the sorrows of wrath be distributed. He says they shall be chaff before wind and ashes scattered by whirlwind. God shall lay up the father’s sorrow for his children; when He repays, the man shall know and his own eyes see destruction and drink wrath. Job asks what the house after him means to him if his months are diminished by half, and whether anyone can teach God, who judges those on high.

Job emphasizes the stark equality of physical death: one man dies vigorous, healthy, affluent, and joyful, with intestines full of fat and bones moistened with rich marrow; another man dies in bitter anguish of soul, without riches. Yet both lie down together in the dust, covered by the same worms. Job says he knows their thoughts and unjust judgments, including their question about the prince’s house and dwellings of the wicked. He urges them to ask wayfarers and says the wicked man is reserved for the day of destruction and brought to the day of wrath. Job asks who will reprove the wicked man to his face or repay what he has done; instead, they are brought to the graves and watch in the heap of the dead. As the Challoner annotation explains, Saint Jerome's rendering of the Hebrew valley or torrent by the poetical name Cocytus signifies the low underworld of death and hell, which willingly receives the wicked alongside innumerable multitudes who have gone before and followed after. Job concludes that his companions offer only empty comfort, because their answer is shown repugnant to truth.