Job 31:16-26

16 "I haven't said no to what poor people have wanted. I haven't let widows lose their hope.
17 I haven't kept my bread to myself. I've shared it with children whose fathers had died.
18 From the time I was young, I've helped those widows. I've raised those children as a father would.
19 Suppose I've seen people dying because they didn't have any clothes. I've seen needy people who had nothing to wear.
20 And they didn't give me their blessing when I warmed them with wool from my sheep.
21 Suppose I've raised my hand against children whose fathers have died. And I did it because I knew I had power in the courts.
22 Then let my arm fall from my shoulder. Let it be broken off at the joint.
23 I was afraid God would destroy me. His glory terrifies me. So I'd never do things like that.
24 "Suppose I've put my trust in gold. I've said to pure gold, 'You make me feel secure.'
25 And I'm happy because I'm so wealthy. I'm glad because my hands have earned so much.
26 Suppose I've worshiped the sun in all of its glory. I've bowed down to the moon in all of its beauty.

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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