Job 31:29-39

29 Have I rejoiced over my enemy's distress, or become excited when trouble came his way?
30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse.
31 Haven't the members of my household said, "Who is there who has not had enough to eat at Job's table?"
32 No stranger had to spend the night on the street, for I opened my door to the traveler.
33 Have I covered my transgressions as others do[a] by hiding my guilt in my heart,
34 because I greatly feared the crowds, and the contempt of the clans terrified me,[b] so I grew silent and would not go outside?
35 If only I had someone to hear my [case]! Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me. Let my Opponent compose [His] indictment.
36 I would surely carry it on my shoulder and wear it like a crown.[c]
37 I would give Him an account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.
38 If my land cries out against me and its furrows join in weeping,[d]
39 if I have consumed its produce without payment or shown contempt for its tenants,[e]

Job 31:29-39 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.

Footnotes 5

  • [a]. Or as Adam
  • [b]. Jos 1:9; Ps 27:1; Isa 8:12-13
  • [c]. Pr 6:21
  • [d]. Jr 4:28; 12:4; Hs 4:3; 10:4
  • [e]. Lit or caused the breath of its tenants to breathe out
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.