Job 31:21-31

21 "If I've ever used my strength and influence to take advantage of the unfortunate,
22 Go ahead, break both my arms, cut off all my fingers!
23 The fear of God has kept me from these things - how else could I ever face him? If Only Someone Would Give Me a Hearing!
24 "Did I set my heart on making big money or worship at the bank?
25 Did I boast about my wealth, show off because I was well-off?
26 Was I ever so awed by the sun's brilliance and moved by the moon's beauty
27 That I let myself become seduced by them and worshiped them on the sly?
28 If so, I would deserve the worst of punishments, for I would be betraying God himself.
29 "Did I ever crow over my enemy's ruin? Or gloat over my rival's bad luck?
30 No, I never said a word of detraction, never cursed them, even under my breath.
31 "Didn't those who worked for me say, 'He fed us well. There were always second helpings'?

Job 31:21-31 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 31

In this chapter Job gives an account of himself in private life, of the integrity and uprightness of his life, and his holy walk and conversation, with this view, that it might be thought that the afflictions which were upon him were not on account of a vicious course of life he had indulged unto, as was suggested; and he clears himself from various crimes which it might be insinuated he was guilty of, as from unchastity; and he observes the method he took to prevent his falling into it, and the reasons that dissuaded him from it, Job 31:1-4; from injustice in his dealings with men, Job 31:5-8; from the sin of adultery, Job 31:9-12; from ill usage of his servants, Job 31:13-15; from unkindness to the poor, which he enlarges upon, and gives many instances of his charity to them, Job 31:16-23; from covetousness, and a vain confidence in wealth, Job 31:24,25; from idolatry, the worship of the sun and moon, Job 31:26-28; from a revengeful spirit, Job 31:29-31; and from inhospitality to strangers, Job 31:32; from covering his sin, Job 31:33; and fear of men, Job 31:34; and then wishes his cause might be heard before God, Job 31:35-37; and the chapter is closed with an imprecation on his head if guilty of any injustice, Job 31:38-40.

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.