Giobbe 31:34-40

34 Quantunque io potessi spaventare una gran moltitudine, Pure i più vili della gente mi facevano paura, Ed io mi taceva, e non usciva fuor della porta.

35 Oh! avessi io pure chi mi ascoltasse! Ecco, il mio desiderio è Che l’Onnipotente mi risponda, O che colui che litiga meco mi faccia una scritta;

36 Se io non la porto in su la spalla, E non me la lego attorno a guisa di bende.

37 Io gli renderei conto di tutti i miei passi, Io mi accosterei a lui come un capitano.

38 Se la mia terra grida contro a me, E se parimente i suoi solchi piangono;

39 Se ho mangiati i suoi frutti senza pagamento, E se ho fatto sospirar l’anima de’ suoi padroni;

40 In luogo del grano nascami il tribolo, E il loglio in luogo dell’orzo. Qui finiscono i ragionamenti di Giobbe.

Giobbe 31:34-40 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.