Job 31:30

30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by invoking a curse against their life—

Job 31:30 in Other Translations

30 Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.

30 (I have not let my mouth sin by asking for his life with a curse),

30 No, I have never sinned by cursing anyone or by asking for revenge.

30 No, I never said a word of detraction, never cursed them, even under my breath.

30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse.

Job 31:30 Meaning and Commentary

Job 31:30

Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin
Which, as it is the instrument of speech, is often the means of much sin; particularly of cursing men, and expressing much bitterness against enemies; but Job laid an embargo upon it, kept it as with a bridle, restrained it from uttering any evil, or wishing any to his worst adversaries; which is difficult to do, when provocations are given, as follows:

by wishing a curse to his soul;
not to his soul as distinct from his body, being the superior excellency and immortal part; that it be everlastingly damned, as wicked men wish to their own souls, and the souls of others, but to his person, wishing some calamity might befall him, some disease seize upon him, or that God would take him away by death: Job would never suffer himself to wish anything of this kind unto his enemy.

Job 31:30 In-Context

28 then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.

29 “If I have rejoiced at my enemy’s misfortune or gloated over the trouble that came to him—

30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by invoking a curse against their life—

31 if those of my household have never said, ‘Who has not been filled with Job’s meat?’—

32 but no stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler—

Cross References

• 1. Job 5:3; Romans 12:14