Job 31:8-18

8 Then may others eat what I've planted. May my crops be pulled up by the roots.
9 "Suppose my heart has been tempted by a woman. Or suppose I've prowled around my neighbor's door.
10 Then may my wife grind another man's grain. May other men have sex with her.
11 Wanting another woman would have been a shameful thing. It would have been a sin that should be judged.
12 It's like a fire that burns down to the grave. It would have caused my crops to be pulled up by the roots.
13 "Suppose I haven't treated my male and female servants fairly when they've brought charges against me.
14 Then what will I do when God opposes me? What answer will I give him when he asks me to explain myself?
15 Didn't he who made me make my servants also? Didn't the same God form us inside our mothers?
16 "I haven't said no to what poor people have wanted. I haven't let widows lose their hope.
17 I haven't kept my bread to myself. I've shared it with children whose fathers had died.
18 From the time I was young, I've helped those widows. I've raised those children as a father would.

Job 31:8-18 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.

Holy Bible, New International Reader's Version® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by Biblica.   All rights reserved worldwide.