Job 31:11-21

11 That would be shameful, a sin to be punished.
12 It is like a fire that burns and destroys; all I have done would be plowed up.
13 "If I have been unfair to my male and female slaves when they had a complaint against me,
14 how could I tell God what I did? What will I answer when he asks me to explain what I've done?
15 God made me in my mother's womb, and he also made them; the same God formed both of us in our mothers' wombs.
16 "I have never refused the appeals of the poor or let widows give up hope while looking for help.
17 I have not kept my food to myself but have given it to the orphans.
18 Since I was young, I have been like a father to the orphans. From my birth I guided the widows.
19 I have not let anyone die for lack of clothes or let a needy person go without a coat.
20 That person's heart blessed me, because I warmed him with the wool of my sheep.
21 I have never hurt an orphan even when I knew I could win in court.

Job 31:11-21 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.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.