I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?
Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;
Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
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;
Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.
If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour’s door;
Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.
For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.
For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.
If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
(For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother’s womb;)
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.
For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;
If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;
And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.
If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:
Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.
If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.
The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.
If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:
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?
Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.
Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.
I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.
If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;
If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.
Job 31 is a powerful declaration, offering a profound glimpse into the heart and life of a man striving for blamelessness before God. In this chapter, Job presents his final defense, meticulously outlining the virtues he has upheld and the sins he has diligently avoided. Far from being a boastful display, this is Job's earnest attempt to reconcile his suffering with his understanding of God's justice. Understanding Job 31 requires us to see it as Job's response to his accusers, a detailed account of his life that underscores his integrity.
The Covenant with His Eyes (Job 31:1)
Job begins by emphasizing the importance of inner purity. He states, "I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?" (Job 31:1). This verse reveals that Job's righteousness wasn't merely superficial; it started in his heart and mind. He understood that lustful thoughts could lead to sinful actions, so he proactively guarded his gaze. This is particularly relevant in today's world, where visual temptations are rampant. Job's example challenges us to make a conscious decision to protect our minds and hearts from impurity. Like Job, we must be prepared for battle and make a sacred agreement with our eyes, to honor God and the women around us.
Avoiding Injustice and Oppression (Job 31:2-23)
Job continues by listing specific sins he has avoided, highlighting his commitment to justice and compassion. He questions what his portion from God above would be if he had coveted or acted unjustly. He addresses the potential mistreatment of servants, asserting that he would have respected their rights and sought justice for them if they had a grievance. Job asks, "If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or my maidservant, when they brought a complaint against me, what then shall I do when God rises up? When he makes inquiry, what shall I answer him?" (Job 31:13-14). This shows his understanding that all people, regardless of their social status, are equal in God's eyes.
He further denies oppressing the poor, withholding from the needy, or causing widows to suffer. Job emphasizes his care for the vulnerable, stating that he has always provided for the fatherless and ensured that the poor were clothed. Job asks if he has put his trust in gold or rejoiced at the ruin of his enemy. These statements reveal a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others and committed to fairness in all his dealings.
Rejecting Idolatry and Deceit (Job 31:24-34)
Job then addresses the sin of idolatry, denying that he has ever placed his trust in wealth or rejoiced in his own success as if it were due to his own power. He also rejects the temptation to gloat over an enemy's misfortune, understanding that true righteousness extends even to those who have wronged us. Job says that he has not rejoiced at the ruin of one who hated him, or exulted when evil overtook him.
Furthermore, Job declares that he has not hidden his sins or covered up his wrongdoing. He has lived an open and honest life, willing to be held accountable for his actions. Job asks if he has concealed his transgressions as others do, by hiding his iniquity in his bosom. This honesty and transparency are hallmarks of a person of integrity.
Job's Final Plea (Job 31:35-40)
In a powerful culmination of his defense, Job issues a final plea, inviting God to examine his life and bring forth any evidence of wrongdoing. He longs for a hearing, a chance to present his case before the Almighty. Job says, "Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me! Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary!" (Job 31:35). Job is so confident in his innocence that he welcomes scrutiny, trusting that God will vindicate him.
He concludes by invoking a curse upon himself if he has acquired his land unjustly or caused its previous owners to suffer. "If my land has cried out against me, and its furrows have wept together, if I have eaten its yield without payment and caused the soul of its owners to pant, let thorns grow instead of wheat, and foul weeds instead of barley" (Job 31:38-40). This declaration underscores the seriousness with which Job views his responsibilities and his commitment to ethical conduct.
Reflections on Job's Integrity
Job 31 offers a powerful example of a life lived with integrity. Job's righteousness was not merely external; it flowed from a heart that was committed to God and sensitive to the needs of others. He guarded his thoughts, acted justly, and lived honestly. While Job was not perfect, his life was characterized by a genuine desire to please God and to live in accordance with his will.
Job's example challenges us to examine our own lives and to consider the ways in which we can cultivate greater integrity. Are we guarding our hearts from impurity? Are we treating others with fairness and compassion? Are we living honestly and transparently? By striving to emulate Job's virtues, we can experience the blessings of a life lived in accordance with God's will.
Job's words remind us that true righteousness begins within. It is not enough to simply avoid outward sins; we must also cultivate a heart that is pure, just, and compassionate. By making a covenant with our eyes, acting justly in our dealings, and living honestly before God and others, we can walk in the footsteps of Job and experience the fullness of life that God intends for us.
Ultimately, Job 31 isn't just a historical account; it's a timeless call to integrity, a reminder that our actions and thoughts matter to God, and that a life lived in righteousness is a life that honors Him. It's a chapter that invites deep reflection and inspires us to pursue a life of blamelessness, knowing that God sees and values our sincere efforts to live according to His will.
I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?
Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?
Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;
Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
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;
Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.
If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour’s door;
Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her.
For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.
For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase.
If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
(For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother’s womb;)
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.
For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;
If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;
And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:
This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.
If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him:
Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.
If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.
The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.
If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:
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?
Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.
Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.
I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.
If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;
If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.
Job 31 is a powerful declaration, offering a profound glimpse into the heart and life of a man striving for blamelessness before God. In this chapter, Job presents his final defense, meticulously outlining the virtues he has upheld and the sins he has diligently avoided. Far from being a boastful display, this is Job's earnest attempt to reconcile his suffering with his understanding of God's justice. Understanding Job 31 requires us to see it as Job's response to his accusers, a detailed account of his life that underscores his integrity.
The Covenant with His Eyes (Job 31:1)
Job begins by emphasizing the importance of inner purity. He states, "I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?" (Job 31:1). This verse reveals that Job's righteousness wasn't merely superficial; it started in his heart and mind. He understood that lustful thoughts could lead to sinful actions, so he proactively guarded his gaze. This is particularly relevant in today's world, where visual temptations are rampant. Job's example challenges us to make a conscious decision to protect our minds and hearts from impurity. Like Job, we must be prepared for battle and make a sacred agreement with our eyes, to honor God and the women around us.
Avoiding Injustice and Oppression (Job 31:2-23)
Job continues by listing specific sins he has avoided, highlighting his commitment to justice and compassion. He questions what his portion from God above would be if he had coveted or acted unjustly. He addresses the potential mistreatment of servants, asserting that he would have respected their rights and sought justice for them if they had a grievance. Job asks, "If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or my maidservant, when they brought a complaint against me, what then shall I do when God rises up? When he makes inquiry, what shall I answer him?" (Job 31:13-14). This shows his understanding that all people, regardless of their social status, are equal in God's eyes.
He further denies oppressing the poor, withholding from the needy, or causing widows to suffer. Job emphasizes his care for the vulnerable, stating that he has always provided for the fatherless and ensured that the poor were clothed. Job asks if he has put his trust in gold or rejoiced at the ruin of his enemy. These statements reveal a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others and committed to fairness in all his dealings.
Rejecting Idolatry and Deceit (Job 31:24-34)
Job then addresses the sin of idolatry, denying that he has ever placed his trust in wealth or rejoiced in his own success as if it were due to his own power. He also rejects the temptation to gloat over an enemy's misfortune, understanding that true righteousness extends even to those who have wronged us. Job says that he has not rejoiced at the ruin of one who hated him, or exulted when evil overtook him.
Furthermore, Job declares that he has not hidden his sins or covered up his wrongdoing. He has lived an open and honest life, willing to be held accountable for his actions. Job asks if he has concealed his transgressions as others do, by hiding his iniquity in his bosom. This honesty and transparency are hallmarks of a person of integrity.
Job's Final Plea (Job 31:35-40)
In a powerful culmination of his defense, Job issues a final plea, inviting God to examine his life and bring forth any evidence of wrongdoing. He longs for a hearing, a chance to present his case before the Almighty. Job says, "Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me! Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary!" (Job 31:35). Job is so confident in his innocence that he welcomes scrutiny, trusting that God will vindicate him.
He concludes by invoking a curse upon himself if he has acquired his land unjustly or caused its previous owners to suffer. "If my land has cried out against me, and its furrows have wept together, if I have eaten its yield without payment and caused the soul of its owners to pant, let thorns grow instead of wheat, and foul weeds instead of barley" (Job 31:38-40). This declaration underscores the seriousness with which Job views his responsibilities and his commitment to ethical conduct.
Reflections on Job's Integrity
Job 31 offers a powerful example of a life lived with integrity. Job's righteousness was not merely external; it flowed from a heart that was committed to God and sensitive to the needs of others. He guarded his thoughts, acted justly, and lived honestly. While Job was not perfect, his life was characterized by a genuine desire to please God and to live in accordance with his will.
Job's example challenges us to examine our own lives and to consider the ways in which we can cultivate greater integrity. Are we guarding our hearts from impurity? Are we treating others with fairness and compassion? Are we living honestly and transparently? By striving to emulate Job's virtues, we can experience the blessings of a life lived in accordance with God's will.
Job's words remind us that true righteousness begins within. It is not enough to simply avoid outward sins; we must also cultivate a heart that is pure, just, and compassionate. By making a covenant with our eyes, acting justly in our dealings, and living honestly before God and others, we can walk in the footsteps of Job and experience the fullness of life that God intends for us.
Ultimately, Job 31 isn't just a historical account; it's a timeless call to integrity, a reminder that our actions and thoughts matter to God, and that a life lived in righteousness is a life that honors Him. It's a chapter that invites deep reflection and inspires us to pursue a life of blamelessness, knowing that God sees and values our sincere efforts to live according to His will.