Job 23:11

11 I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way.

Job 23:11 Meaning and Commentary

Job 23:11

My foot hath held his steps
Trod in the steps he has walked in; he followed God closely, imitated him in acts of holiness and righteousness, of mercy, kindness, and beneficence; and he continued therein; as he set his foot in the steps of God, which were to him for an example, he persisted therein; as he followed on to know him, so to imitate him, and walk worthy of him:

his way have I kept;
the way he prescribed him, and directed him to walk in, the way of his commandments, which he observed constantly, and kept; though not perfectly, yet with great delight and pleasure, and so as not to be chargeable with any gross neglect of them, but in some sense to walk in all of them blameless, as not to be culpable before men:

and not declined:
from the way of God, did not turn aside from it to the right or left, or go into crooked paths with wicked men, or wickedly depart from his God, his ways and worship, as David says, ( Psalms 18:21 ) .

Job 23:11 In-Context

9 I go North, but he's hidden his tracks; then South, but not even a glimpse.
10 "But he knows where I am and what I've done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test with honors.
11 I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way.
12 I've obeyed every word he's spoken, and not just obeyed his advice - I've treasured it.
13 "But he is singular and sovereign. Who can argue with him? He does what he wants, when he wants to.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.