Job 31:19

19 "Have I ever left a poor family shivering in the cold when they had no warm clothes?

Job 31:19 Meaning and Commentary

Job 31:19

If I have seen any perish for want of clothing
A man may be in such poor circumstances as to want proper clothing to cover his naked body with, and preserve it from the inclemencies of the weather, and for want of it be ready to perish or die with cold. Job denies he had seen any such; not that he had never seen persons in such perishing circumstances; but he had not seen them as to "despise" them, as the Vulgate Latin version, as to have them in contempt, or look at them with disdain because of their poverty and rags, or sordid apparel; or so as to "overlook" them, as the Septuagint version, to neglect them, and to take no notice of them, and make no provision for their clothing, a warm and comfortable garment, as in ( Job 31:20 ) :

or any poor without covering;
without clothing sufficient to cover himself with, and keep him warm; Job had seen such objects, but he did not leave them in such a condition; he saw them, and had compassion on them, and clothed them.

Job 31:19 In-Context

17 Taken care of my own needs and fed my own face while they languished?
18 Wasn't my home always open to them? Weren't they always welcome at my table?
19 "Have I ever left a poor family shivering in the cold when they had no warm clothes?
20 Didn't the poor bless me when they saw me coming, knowing I'd brought coats from my closet?
21 "If I've ever used my strength and influence to take advantage of the unfortunate,
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.