Job 31:30

30 "No, ¹I have not allowed my mouth to sin By asking for his life in ²a 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 That too would have been an iniquity calling for judgment, For I would have denied God above .

29 "Have I rejoiced at the extinction of my enemy, Or exulted when evil befell him?

30 "No, I have not allowed my mouth to sin By asking for his life in a curse.

31 "Have the men of my tent not said, 'Who can find one who has not been satisfied with his meat '?

32 "The alien has not lodged outside, For I have opened my doors to the traveler.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 7:4
• 2. Job 5:3

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "And"
• [b]. Lit "given my palate"