Job 31:30

30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse—

Job 31:30 Meaning and Commentary

Job 31:30

Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin
Which, as it is the instrument of speech, is often the means of much sin; particularly of cursing men, and expressing much bitterness against enemies; but Job laid an embargo upon it, kept it as with a bridle, restrained it from uttering any evil, or wishing any to his worst adversaries; which is difficult to do, when provocations are given, as follows:

by wishing a curse to his soul;
not to his soul as distinct from his body, being the superior excellency and immortal part; that it be everlastingly damned, as wicked men wish to their own souls, and the souls of others, but to his person, wishing some calamity might befall him, some disease seize upon him, or that God would take him away by death: Job would never suffer himself to wish anything of this kind unto his enemy.

Job 31:30 In-Context

28 this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God on high.

29 If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him—

30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse—

31 if the men of my house have not said, ‘Who is there who has not had his fill?’—

32 but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler—