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 rejoice 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 rejoice 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.
The book of Job in the Bible is a complex and profound piece of literature that explores the nature of suffering, the human condition, and the relationship between God and humanity. It is a book that has been studied and interpreted by scholars and theologians for centuries, and its teachings continue to be relevant and thought-provoking today. Chapter 31 of the book of Job is a pivotal chapter that delves into the depths of Job's character and his struggle to understand his suffering and maintain his faith in God.
The book of Job is a poetic and philosophical work that is believed to have been written between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. It is part of the Old Testament and is considered one of the Wisdom Books, along with Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. The book is named after its main character, Job, who is described as a righteous and wealthy man living in the land of Uz. Job's faith and devotion to God are tested when Satan challenges God, claiming that Job's faith is only based on his prosperity and not on his genuine love for God.
As a result of this challenge, God allows Satan to inflict suffering upon Job, taking away his wealth, his health, and even his children. Despite his immense suffering, Job remains faithful to God and refuses to curse His name. The majority of the book of Job is a series of dialogues between Job and his friends, who try to offer explanations for his suffering and convince him to confess his sins and repent. However, Job maintains his innocence and continues to question God's justice and the meaning of his suffering.
Chapter 31 of the book of Job is a turning point in the story, as Job makes his final plea to God and defends his innocence. This chapter is a powerful and emotional statement of Job's character and his struggle to maintain his faith in the face of overwhelming suffering. The main themes of this chapter include justice, righteousness, and the fear of God.
Throughout the book of Job, Job is portrayed as a man who is searching for justice. He cannot understand why God would allow him to suffer so greatly when he has done nothing wrong. In chapter 31, Job makes a powerful statement, declaring that if he has committed any wrongdoing, he is willing to suffer the consequences:
"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." (Job 31:5-8)Job is essentially saying that if he has done anything to deserve his suffering, then he is willing to accept the consequences. However, he maintains his innocence and continues to seek justice from God.
Another important theme in chapter 31 is righteousness. Job believes that his righteousness is what sets him apart from his friends and justifies his plea for justice. He lists a series of righteous acts that he has performed throughout his life, such as not lusting after other women, not lying, and not withholding help from the poor and needy. Job believes that his righteousness should protect him from suffering, and he cannot understand why God would allow him to endure such pain and loss:
"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." (Job 31:16-22)
Job's pursuit of righteousness is a central theme in the book of Job and is a reflection of the importance of moral living in the eyes of God.
Another significant theme in chapter 31 is the fear of God. Job believes that his suffering is a result of God's power and his fear of God is evident throughout his plea for justice. He acknowledges that God is all-powerful and that no one can stand against Him. Job's fear of God is not a fear of punishment, but a deep reverence and respect for God's authority:
"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." (Job 31:23-28)
Job's fear of God is a reminder that we should not take God's power and authority lightly and that our actions should reflect our reverence for Him.
Chapter 31 of the book of Job is a powerful and emotional statement of Job's character and his struggle to maintain his faith in the face of overwhelming suffering. It is a reminder that suffering is a part of the human experience and that even the most righteous and faithful individuals can be tested and challenged. The chapter also highlights the importance of justice, righteousness, and the fear of God in the eyes of God.
The book of Job is ultimately a story of faith and perseverance in the face of suffering. Job's unwavering faith and his refusal to curse God even in the midst of his suffering are a testament to the strength of his character. Chapter 31 marks the end of Job's dialogue with his friends and sets the stage for God's response and ultimate resolution to Job's suffering.
Chapter 31 of the book of Job is a pivotal chapter that delves into the depths of Job's character and his struggle to understand his suffering and maintain his faith in God. It explores important themes such as justice, righteousness, and the fear of God, and serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. The book of Job continues to be a source of inspiration and contemplation for readers, offering valuable insights into the human experience and the relationship between God and humanity.
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