Job 31:21-31

21 If I have raised my hand against the fatherless, When I saw I had help in the gate;
22 Then let my arm fall from my shoulder, Let my arm be torn from the socket.
23 For destruction from God is a terror to me, And because of His magnificence I cannot endure.
24 "If I have made gold my hope, Or said to fine gold, 'You are my confidence';
25 If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gained much;
26 If I have observed the sun when it shines, Or the moon moving in brightness,
27 So that my heart has been secretly enticed, And my mouth has kissed my hand;
28 This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment, For I would have denied God who is above.
29 "If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, Or lifted myself up when evil found him
30 (Indeed I have not allowed my mouth to sin By asking for a curse on his soul);
31 If the men of my tent have not said, 'Who is there that has not been satisfied with his meat?'

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.

Footnotes 1

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.