1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
2 For what portion of God [is there] from above? and [what] inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
3 [Is] not destruction to the wicked? and a strange [punishment] to the workers of iniquity?
4 Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
5 If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;
6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
7 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
8 [Then] let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.
9 If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or [if] I have laid wait at my neighbour’s door;
10 [Then] let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.
11 For this [is] an heinous crime; yea, it [is] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judges.
12 For it [is] a fire [that] consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.
13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
14 What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?
16 If I have withheld the poor from [their] desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
18 (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as [with] a father, and I have guided her from my mother’s womb;)
19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
20 If his loins have not blessed me, and [if] he were [not] warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
22 [Then] let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.
23 For destruction [from] God [was] a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
24 If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, [Thou art] my confidence;
25 If I rejoiced because my wealth [was] great, and because mine hand had gotten much;
26 If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking [in] brightness;
27 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
28 This also [were] an iniquity [to be punished by] the judge: for I should have denied the God [that is] above.
29 If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:
30 Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.
31 If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.
32 The stranger did not lodge in the street: [but] I opened my doors to the traveller.
33 If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:
34 Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, [and] went not out of the door?
35 Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire [is, that] the Almighty would answer me, and [that] mine adversary had written a book.
36 Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, [and] bind it [as] a crown to me.
37 I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.
38 If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;
39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.
Overview of Job Chapter 31
Job 31 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Job, where Job makes a solemn declaration of his integrity and righteousness. In this chapter, Job lists various ethical and moral standards he has upheld throughout his life, asserting his innocence in the face of his suffering. This chapter serves as a culmination of Job’s defense against the accusations of his friends, who suggest that his suffering is a result of hidden sin.
Key Themes
- Integrity and Righteousness: Job emphasizes his commitment to living a life of integrity, detailing the moral principles he has adhered to.
- Divine Justice: Job questions the nature of divine justice, asserting that he has not received the punishment he deserves, which challenges the conventional understanding of retributive justice.
- Human Relationships: Job reflects on his interactions with others, particularly regarding the treatment of the poor and vulnerable, highlighting his compassion and fairness.
- Self-Examination: Job engages in a deep self-examination, considering his actions and their implications, which invites readers to reflect on their own lives.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-4: Job’s Commitment to Purity
- Verses 5-8: Integrity in Conduct
- Verses 9-12: Fidelity in Marriage
- Verses 13-15: Treatment of Servants
- Verses 16-23: Compassion for the Needy
- Verses 24-28: Wealth and Idolatry
- Verses 29-30: Resentment and Anger
- Verses 31-32: Hospitality
- Verses 33-34: Avoidance of Hypocrisy
- Verses 35-40: A Call for Divine Response
Job begins by declaring a covenant with his eyes, vowing not to look lustfully at a young woman. He emphasizes the seriousness of his commitment to purity and the consequences of sin.
Job reflects on his honesty in dealings and the importance of truthfulness. He asserts that if he has acted deceitfully, he would accept the consequences, illustrating his willingness to be held accountable.
Job speaks against adultery, underscoring the sanctity of marriage. He recognizes the severe repercussions of infidelity, both morally and socially.
Job highlights his fair treatment of servants, acknowledging that they are equal in the eyes of God. This section emphasizes social justice and the need for compassion towards all individuals.
Job recalls his efforts to help the poor and needy, detailing specific actions he took to ensure their well-being. He expresses deep concern for the marginalized, reinforcing his character as a compassionate individual.
Job discusses his relationship with wealth, asserting that he has not placed his trust in riches or worshiped them. He recognizes the dangers of materialism and idolatry.
Job reflects on his emotional responses, stating that he has not rejoiced at the misfortune of his enemies, showcasing his integrity and moral character.
Job emphasizes the importance of hospitality, expressing that he has always welcomed strangers and provided for those in need.
Job acknowledges the temptation to hide his sins and the fear of public scrutiny, but he affirms his commitment to honesty and transparency.
Job concludes the chapter with a passionate plea for God to answer him, inviting God to reveal any wrongdoing. He expresses a desire for justice and vindication, reinforcing his belief in his innocence.
Conclusion
Job 31 serves as a powerful testament to Job’s character and his unwavering commitment to righteousness. It encapsulates the central themes of integrity, justice, and the complexity of human suffering. Through his declarations, Job challenges the simplistic notions of retributive justice and invites readers to consider the deeper moral implications of their actions. This chapter not only showcases Job’s defense but also serves as a reflection on the nature of suffering and the pursuit of a righteous life.
