Job 31:16-26

16 “Have I refused to help the poor, or crushed the hopes of widows?
17 Have I been stingy with my food and refused to share it with orphans?
18 No, from childhood I have cared for orphans like a father, and all my life I have cared for widows.
19 Whenever I saw the homeless without clothes and the needy with nothing to wear,
20 did they not praise me for providing wool clothing to keep them warm?
21 “If I raised my hand against an orphan, knowing the judges would take my side,
22 then let my shoulder be wrenched out of place! Let my arm be torn from its socket!
23 That would be better than facing God’s judgment. For if the majesty of God opposes me, what hope is there?
24 “Have I put my trust in money or felt secure because of my gold?
25 Have I gloated about my wealth and all that I own?
26 “Have I looked at the sun shining in the skies, or the moon walking down its silver pathway,

Job 31:16-26 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.

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