Job 31:16 | MHM | STEP | 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 ), 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 ). From his youth, Job practiced charity and compassion.

‏ Job 31:16

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 ^a), 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 ^b). From his youth, Job practiced charity and compassion.