Job 31:4-14

4 nonne ipse considerat vias meas et cunctos gressus meos dinumerat
5 si ambulavi in vanitate et festinavit in dolo pes meus
6 adpendat me in statera iusta et sciat Deus simplicitatem meam
7 si declinavit gressus meus de via et si secutum est oculos meos cor meum et in manibus meis adhesit macula
8 seram et alius comedat et progenies mea eradicetur
9 si deceptum est cor meum super mulierem et si ad ostium amici mei insidiatus sum
10 scortum sit alteri uxor mea et super illam incurventur alii
11 hoc enim nefas est et iniquitas maxima
12 ignis est usque ad perditionem devorans et omnia eradicans genimina
13 si contempsi subire iudicium cum servo meo et ancillae meae cum disceptarent adversum me
14 quid enim faciam cum surrexerit ad iudicandum Deus et cum quaesierit quid respondebo illi

Job 31:4-14 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.

The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.