Job 31:32-40

32 No stranger ever had to spend the night in the street. My door was always open to travelers.
33 I didn't hide my sin as others do. I didn't hide my guilt in my heart.
34 I was never afraid of the crowd. I never worried that my relatives might hate me. I didn't have to keep quiet or stay inside.
35 "I wish someone would listen to me! I'm signing my name to everything I've said. I hope the Mighty One will give me his answer. I hope the one who brings charges against me will write them down.
36 I'll wear them on my shoulder. I'll put them on my head like a crown.
37 I'll give that person a report of every step I take. I'll approach him like a prince.
38 "Suppose my land cries out against me. And all of its soil is wet with tears.
39 Suppose I've used up its crops without paying for them. Or I've broken the spirit of its renters.
40 Then let thorns grow instead of wheat. Let weeds come up instead of barley." The words of Job end here.

Job 31:32-40 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.

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