Job 31:32-40

32 (The sojourner has not lodged in the street; But I have opened my doors to the traveler);

33 If like Adam I have covered my transgressions, By hiding my iniquity in my heart,

34 Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, So that I kept silence, and didn't go out of the door--

35 Oh that I had one to hear me! (Behold, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me); Let the accuser write my indictment!

36 Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; And I would bind it to me as a crown.

37 I would declare to him the number of my steps. As a prince would I go near to him.

38 If my land cries out against me, And the furrows of it weep together;

39 If I have eaten the fruits of it without money, Or have caused the owners of it to lose their life:

40 Let briars grow instead of wheat, And stinkweed instead of barley." The words of Job are ended.

Job 31:32-40 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.