Job 31:18-28

18 for from my youth, I raised him as [his] father, and since the day I was born[a] I guided the widow-
19 if I have seen anyone dying for lack of clothing or a needy person without a cloak,[b]
20 if he[c] did not bless me while warming himself with the fleece from my sheep,
21 if I ever cast my vote[d] against a fatherless child when I saw that I had support in the [city] gate,[e]
22 then let my shoulder blade fall from my back, and my arm be pulled from its socket.
23 For disaster from God terrifies me, and because of His majesty I could not do [these things].[f]
24 If I placed my confidence in gold or called fine gold my trust,[g]
25 if I have rejoiced because my wealth is great or because my own hand has acquired [so] much,
26 if I have gazed at the sun when it was shining or at the moon moving in splendor,
27 so that my heart was secretly enticed and I threw them a kiss,[h][i]
28 this would also be a crime deserving punishment, for I would have denied God above.[j]

Job 31:18-28 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 10

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