‏ Job 31

Job's Vindication of Himself

In this chapter, Job speaks up to defend his character. He says he was always careful to avoid two major dangers: sinful desires and the love of money. Job wants to show that he lived honestly and purely, even when tempted by power and wealth. He explains the strict rules he set for himself, and the reasons why he followed them. His hope is that God and others will see his true heart.

v. 1: Job says, I made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? . He decided not to even look at women in a wrong way. Job was careful not just to avoid sinful actions, but also sinful thoughts. He knew that sin can begin with something as simple as a glance (Matthew 5:28 ^a).

v. 2–3: Job explains why he lived this way. He asked himself, What portion of God is there from above? (Job 31:2 ^b). He knew that people who live in impurity cannot expect God’s blessing. He also understood that such sins bring destruction and punishment from God (Job 31:3; Ephesians 5:6 ^c).

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v. 4: Job remembers that God sees everything. Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps? . Nothing is hidden from God, not even a secret thought. This made Job careful in all he did (Proverbs 5:21 ^d).

v. 5–6: Job also avoided dishonesty. If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit, let me be weighed in an even balance (Job 31:5-6 ^e). He wants to be tested to prove that he was honest in all his business. Job did not want to gain anything through lies or tricks.

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v. 7–8: Job says he did not let his heart follow his eyes in wanting things that were not his. If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes… then let me sow, and let another eat (Job 31:7-8 ^f). He is willing for others to take his harvest if he has gained anything wrongly. Job knew that dishonesty is a stain and did not want any sin to remain on his hands.

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Job’s Integrity: Purity and Kindness

Here, Job gives more examples to prove his honesty and good character. He shows that he avoided two serious sins: adultery and cruelty to his servants. Job wants everyone to know that he lived a pure life and treated others with fairness and respect, no matter their status.

v. 9–12: Job says he never committed adultery or even desired another man’s wife. If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour’s door (Job 31:9 ^g), then he would deserve to be punished. He knew adultery is a terrible sin—a heinous crime (Job 31:11 ^h)—and brings shame, punishment, and even the ruin of a person’s family and property (Job 31:10-12 ⁱ). Job understood that lust is like a fire that destroys everything good.

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v. 13–15: Job also says he was always fair and gentle with his servants. If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me (Job 31:13 ^j), then he would be guilty. He listened to their complaints and treated them with respect. Job remembered that God is the Judge of all and that both he and his servants were created by the same God (Job 31:14-15 ^k). This made him humble and kind, knowing that everyone is equal before God.

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Job's Compassion to the Poor

In this part of his defense, Job answers the accusation that he was unkind to the poor. Eliphaz had claimed that Job refused to help those in need, but Job insists that this is simply not true. Job describes how he always acted with kindness, generosity, and fairness towards people who were struggling, especially widows and orphans. He explains that he was motivated by respect for God and fear of God's judgment.

v. 16–18: Job says he never refused to help the poor or caused a widow to lose hope. If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail (Job 31:16 ^l), then let him be judged. He even shared his food with orphans and showed the same care for them as if they were his own children. He guided and supported widows, helping them with advice and protection (Job 31:17-18 ^m). From his youth, Job practiced charity and compassion.

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v. 19–20: Job explains that he provided clothing to those who needed it. If I have seen any perish for want of clothing (Job 31:19 ⁿ), he made sure they had warm clothes made from the fleece of his own sheep. The people he helped were thankful and blessed him (Job 31:20 ^o).

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v. 21: Job never used his power to take advantage of orphans. If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate , he would deserve punishment. Job refused to use his position to harm those who could not protect themselves.

v. 22: Job says if he ever did such wrong, then let his arm be broken. Let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade . This strong statement shows how confident he is that he always treated the poor fairly and kindly.

v. 23: Job explains why he acted this way. Destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure . He respected God’s power and justice. Job knew that God is the defender of the poor and the judge of all people, so he always tried to do what was right.

Job's Abhorrence of Idolatry

In these verses, Job continues to defend his character. He shares four more ways he kept his heart pure before God and people. Job explains that he never loved wealth more than God, never committed idolatry, never took pleasure in the downfall of his enemies, and was always kind to strangers. He wants to show that he lived a life that honored God above all else.

v. 24–25: Job says he never put his trust in riches. If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence (Job 31:24 ^p). He did not take pride in his wealth or think that money made him safe or happy. Even though he had much, he did not boast or rely on his riches (Deuteronomy 8:17 ^q).

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v. 26–28: Job declares that he never worshiped the sun, moon, or anything God created. If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness… and my heart hath been secretly enticed (Job 31:26-27 ^r). He never bowed down or even made a gesture of honor, like kissing his hand, to these heavenly bodies. Job knew that such actions would be idolatry and would deny the God above (Job 31:28 ^s).

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v. 29–30: Job insists he never wished for bad things to happen to his enemies. If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him (Job 31:29 ^t). He did not let his mouth curse others, even those who were against him (Job 31:30 ^u). Job did not hold grudges or want revenge.

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v. 31–32: Job says his servants and family never heard him encourage revenge. The men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! (Job 31:31 ^v). Instead, Job was known for his hospitality. The stranger lodged not in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller (Job 31:32 ^w). He welcomed visitors, making sure no one was left out in the cold or alone. Job practiced true kindness and generosity, just as God desires.

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Job's Protestation of His Integrity

In this final section, Job strongly declares his innocence and honesty before God and people. He lists several sins he did not commit, answers the accusations against him, and boldly asks God to judge his actions. Job wants everyone to know that he lived with a clear conscience, not hiding sin, not fearing people more than God, and not oppressing others for gain.

v. 33: Job says he was never a hypocrite. If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom , he would be guilty. Job did not try to hide his sins or make excuses. Instead, he admitted his faults and repented honestly, unlike Adam who tried to cover up his sin (Proverbs 28:13 ^x).

v. 34: Job was not afraid to do what was right. 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? . He did not let the fear of people stop him from speaking the truth or helping others. Job was courageous and did his duty, even if it was unpopular or dangerous.

v. 35–37: Job wishes for a fair trial from God. Oh that one would hear me!… that the Almighty would answer me! (Job 31:35 ^y). He says he would gladly see any accusation in writing and would wear it like a crown, confident that he could explain his whole life and be found innocent (Job 31:36-37 ^z). Job was willing to let all his actions be examined because he trusted his own integrity.

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v. 38–40: Job states that he never gained land or wealth by cheating or violence. If my land cry against me, or the furrows thereof likewise complain (Job 31:38 ^aa), then let thorns and weeds grow instead of crops (Job 31:40 ^ab). He paid for what he used and never harmed others to get what he wanted. Job ends his speech trusting that God, as the true Judge, knows all and will clear him.