Job 31:30

30 I have not let my mouth sin by asking for their lives with a 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 this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I should have been false to God above.

29 "If I have rejoiced at the ruin of those who hated me, or exulted when evil overtook them—

30 I have not let my mouth sin by asking for their lives with a curse—

31 if those of my tent ever said, "O that we might be sated with his flesh!' —

32 the stranger has not lodged in the street; I have opened my doors to the traveler—