Job 31:15-23

15 Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?
16 “If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary,
17 if I have kept my bread to myself, not sharing it with the fatherless—
18 but from my youth I reared them as a father would, and from my birth I guided the widow—
19 if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing, or the needy without garments,
20 and their hearts did not bless me for warming them with the fleece from my sheep,
21 if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in court,
22 then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let it be broken off at the joint.
23 For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things.

Job 31:15-23 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.

Cross References 17

  • 1. S Job 4:17; Proverbs 22:2
  • 2. S Job 10:3; Ephesians 6:9
  • 3. S Leviticus 25:17; S Job 5:16; Job 20:19
  • 4. S Job 22:9; James 1:27
  • 5. Job 22:7
  • 6. S Job 6:27; S Job 22:7; Job 29:12
  • 7. Isaiah 51:18
  • 8. Job 22:6; Isaiah 58:7
  • 9. S Job 24:4
  • 10. Job 29:13
  • 11. Judges 6:37
  • 12. S Job 22:7; James 1:27; Job 22:9
  • 13. S Job 29:7,9
  • 14. Numbers 15:30; Job 5:15; Job 38:15; Psalms 10:15; Psalms 37:17; Psalms 137:5
  • 15. S Job 10:3; S Job 30:15
  • 16. Job 13:11
  • 17. S Genesis 20:11
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