Job 31:25

25 if I took joy in my great wealth, in my having acquired so much;

Job 31:25 Meaning and Commentary

Job 31:25

If I rejoiced because my wealth [was] great
As it was, see ( Job 1:2 Job 1:3 ) ; yet he did not set his heart upon it, please himself with it, indulge to a carnal joy on account of it, nor suffer it to engross his affections, or alienate them from God his chief joy; not but that a man may lawfully rejoice in the goodness of God unto him, in increasing his wealth, and praise him for it, who has placed him in such easy circumstances, and so comfortably provided for him and his family, and put him into a capacity to do good to others; and he may rejoice in what God has given him, and cheerfully partake of it, ( 1 Chronicles 29:13 1 Chronicles 29:14 ) ( Deuteronomy 12:7 ) ( Ecclesiastes 5:19 Ecclesiastes 5:20 ) ;

and because my hand had gotten much;
though he had much wealth, he did not ascribe it to his own industry, and applaud his own wisdom and diligence, as men are apt to do, for all comes of God, and is owing to his blessing; he did not please himself when become rich, as if his own hand had found him much substance, as Ephraim did, ( Hosea 12:8 ) .

Job 31:25 In-Context

23 For calamity from God has always terrified me; before his majesty I could never do a thing [like that].
24 "If I made gold my hope, if I said to fine gold, 'You are my security,'
25 if I took joy in my great wealth, in my having acquired so much;
26 or if, on seeing the shining sun or the full moon as it moved through the sky,
27 my heart was secretly seduced, so that I would wave them a kiss with my hand;
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.