Job 31:3-13

3 Aren't there catastrophes for wicked people and disasters for those who do wrong?
4 Doesn't he see my ways and count all my steps?
5 "If I have walked with lies or my feet have run after deception,
6 [then] let God weigh me on honest scales, and he will know I have integrity.
7 "If my steps have left the [proper] path, or my heart has followed [the desire of] my eyes, or my hands are stained [with sin],
8 [then] let someone else eat what I have planted, and let my crops be uprooted.
9 "If I have been seduced by a woman or I have secretly waited near my neighbor's door,
10 [then] let my wife grind for another [man], and let other [men] kneel over her.
11 That would be a scandal, and that would be a criminal offense.
12 It would be a fire that burns even in Abaddon. It would uproot my entire harvest.
13 "If I have abused the rights of my servants, male or female, when they have disagreed with me,

Job 31:3-13 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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