Job 31:31-40

31 The men of my house have always said, 'Everyone has eaten all he wants of Job's food.'

32 No stranger ever had to spend the night in the street, because I always let travelers stay in my home.

33 I have not hidden my sin as others do, secretly keeping my guilt to myself.

34 I was not so afraid of the crowd that I kept quiet and stayed inside because I feared being hated by other families.

35 ("How I wish a court would hear my case! Here I sign my name to show I have told the truth. Now let the Almighty answer me; let the one who accuses me write it down.

36 I would wear the writing on my shoulder; I would put it on like a crown.

37 I would explain to God every step I took, and I would come near to him like a prince.)

38 "If my land cries out against me and its plowed rows are not wet with tears,

39 if I have taken the land's harvest without paying or have broken the spirit of those who worked the land,

40 then let thorns come up instead of wheat, and let weeds come up instead of barley." The words of Job are finished.

Job 31:31-40 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.