Job 31
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1“I made a covenant with my eyes, how then should I look lustfully at a young woman? 2For what is the portion from God above, and the heritage from the Almighty on high? 3Is it not calamity to the unrighteous, and disaster to the workers of iniquity? 4Doesn’t he see my ways, and count all my steps? 5“If I have walked with falsehood, and my foot has hurried to deceit 6(let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know my integrity); 7if my step has turned out of the way, if my heart walked after my eyes, if any defilement has stuck to my hands, 8then let me sow, and let another eat. Yes, let the produce of my field be rooted out. 9“If my heart has been enticed to a woman, and I have laid wait at my neighbor’s door, 10then let my wife grind for another, and let others sleep with her. 11For that would be a heinous crime. Yes, it would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges: 12For it is a fire that consumes to destruction, and would root out all my increase. 13“If I have despised the cause of my male servant or of my female servant, when they contended with me; 14What then shall I do when God rises up? When he visits, what shall I answer him? 15Didn’t he who made me in the womb make him? Didn’t 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, 17or have eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless has not eaten of it 18(no, from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, her I have guided from my mother’s womb); 19if I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or that the needy had no covering; 20if his heart hasn’t blessed me, if he hasn’t been warmed with my sheep’s fleece; 21if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help in the gate, 22then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder blade, and my arm be broken from the bone. 23For calamity from God is a terror to me. Because his majesty, I can do nothing. 24“If I have made gold my hope, and have said to the fine gold, ‘You are my confidence;’ 25If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gotten much; 26if I have seen the sun when it shined, or the moon moving in splendor, 27and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth, 28this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges; for I should have denied the God who is above. 29“If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him 30(yes, I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking his life with a curse); 31if the men of my tent have not said, ‘Who can find one who has not been filled with his meat?’ 32(the foreigner has not camped in the street, but I have opened my doors to the traveler); 33if like Adam I have covered my transgressions, by hiding my iniquity in my heart, 34because 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— 35oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me! Let the accuser write my indictment! 36Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; and I would bind it to me as a crown. 37I would declare to him the number of my steps. as a prince would I go near to him. 38If my land cries out against me, and its furrows weep together; 39if I have eaten its fruits without money, or have caused its owners to lose their life, 40let briers grow instead of wheat, and stinkweed instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?"”
Job 31:1
Summary
In Job 31, Job continues his final defense by listing a series of oaths regarding his righteousness and integrity, affirming the purity of his life and intentions. He declares that he made a covenant with his eyes not to look lustfully at a woman, signifying his commitment to purity. Job elaborates on his honesty in business, fairness to his servants, and compassion towards the poor and needy, emphasizing his commitment to justice and righteousness. He invites God to weigh his actions, confident of his innocence. The chapter culminates in Job challenging God to respond, boldly seeking vindication and reaffirming his integrity amidst suffering. This chapter captures the themes of personal integrity, the struggle for justice, and the desire for divine validation.
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Chapter outline
How Job 31 unfolds
Job 31:1–8 Job's Covenant with His Eyes
Job begins by declaring his commitment to purity, stating that he made a covenant with his eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman. He reflects on the consequences of unrighteousness, emphasizing that calamity follows those who act deceitfully.
Job 31:9–16 Integrity in Relationships
Job examines his fidelity, asserting that if he has been unfaithful or wronged others, he deserves severe punishment. He stresses the importance of treating all people, including servants, fairly and compassionately.
Job 31:17–24 Compassion for the Needy
Job emphasizes his care for the poor and widows, indicating that he has shared his provisions with those in need. He argues that neglecting the needy would incur God's wrath.
Job 31:25–30 Wealth and Integrity
Job expresses that if he had placed his trust in wealth, it would be a sin against God. He refuses to rejoice over his enemies' misfortunes, indicating his moral stance.
Job 31:31–36 Open Confession
Job longs for an opportunity to present his case to God. He expresses a desire for his integrity to be acknowledged publicly, inviting divine scrutiny of his actions.
Job 31:37–40 A Final Challenge
Job concludes his defense by challenging God to respond to his claims of innocence. He declares that if he has wronged the land, he deserves harsh consequences, closing with a strong assertion of his integrity.
Key verses
Job 31:1Job 31:1 captures the essence of the chapter, highlighting Job's commitment to integrity amidst his suffering.
Main themes in Job 31
Integrity and Righteousness
Job's integrity and righteousness are central themes in this chapter, particularly in verses 1-8 where he asserts his commitment to purity. He lists various moral standards he upholds, including his treatment of servants and the needy. This emphasis on integrity underscores Job's struggle to reconcile his suffering with his belief in a just and moral life.
Suffering and Justice
In Job 31, the theme of suffering and justice is prominent in verses 3-4 and 23, where Job reflects on his integrity and the reasons for his afflictions. He argues that his righteous behavior should shield him from the suffering he is currently experiencing, raising profound questions about the nature of divine justice. This tension between human righteousness and unjust suffering underscores the larger discourse in the book of Job regarding the complexities of faith and the human condition.
Accountability to God
The theme of accountability to God surfaces prominently in verses 14-15, where Job reflects on God's expectation of justice. He raises the question of how he will respond to God’s scrutiny, emphasizing that God created all humans equally. This concern for accountability drives Job's plea for vindication amidst his suffering.
Empathy and Social Justice
Job's empathy and commitment to social justice are evident in verses 16-20, where he recounts his care for the marginalized. He demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility toward the poor and widows, illustrating that true righteousness involves active compassion. This theme reinforces the moral foundation of Job's arguments against his suffering.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Job 31
- Psalm 139Both passages emphasize God's omniscience, underscoring that God sees and knows every action and intention of the heart.
- Matthew 5This passage connects with Job's teachings on purity and the seriousness of lust, reflecting similar values on integrity in thought and action.
- James 1James echoes Job's emphasis on integrity, suggesting that true faith is reflected in one’s actions and treatment of others.
- Psalm 119Psalm 119 connects with Job’s longing for righteousness, highlighting the importance of adhering to God’s laws in daily life.
- Job 34Job 34 develops the theme of accountability, discussing God’s justice and the consequences of human actions in the context of divine oversight.
- Proverbs 22The themes of justice and integrity in Proverbs align with Job's assertions about the righteous treatment of others, particularly the poor.
Study questions
Questions for studying Job 31
- What does Job's covenant with his eyes signify in verse 1?
- How does Job describe the consequences of unrighteousness in verse 3?
- What evidence does Job provide for his integrity towards his servants?
- How does Job express his relationship with the poor in verses 17-20?
- What challenge does Job present to God regarding his innocence?
- What role does wealth play in Job's understanding of integrity?
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