Job 31:20-30

20 if his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21 if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate"
22 then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.
23 For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of His highness I could not endure.
24 "If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, `Thou art my confidence';
25 if I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;
26 if I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness,
27 and my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand--
28 this also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge, for I should have denied the God that is above.
29 "If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him,
30 neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.

Job 31:20-30 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.

Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.