Job 31:9-19

9 »Si mi corazón ha sido seducido por una mujer,
o si he codiciado a la mujer de mi prójimo,

10 entonces, que mi esposa le pertenezca a
otro hombre,
y que otros hombres se acuesten con ella.

11 Pues la codicia sexual es un pecado vergonzoso,
un delito que debería ser castigado.

12 Es un fuego que arde todo el camino hasta el infierno;
habría arrasado con todo lo que poseo.

13 »Si he sido injusto con mis siervos o con mis siervas
cuando me han presentado sus quejas,

14 ¿cómo podría enfrentarme con Dios?
¿Qué podría decir cuando él me interrogara?

15 Pues Dios me creó tanto a mí como a mis siervos;
nos formó a ambos en el vientre.

16 »¿He rehusado ayudar al pobre
o he acabado con las esperanzas de las viudas?

17 ¿He sido tacaño con mi comida
o me he negado a compartirla con los huérfanos?

18 No, desde la niñez he cuidado a los huérfanos como un padre,
y toda mi vida me he ocupado de las viudas.

19 Cuando veía sin vestido a los que no tienen hogar
y a los necesitados sin nada que ponerse,

Job 31:9-19 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.