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Job 31

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‹ Chapter 30 Job — All Chapters Chapter 32 ›

1 “I have made a covenant with my eyes. How then could I gaze with desire at a virgin? 2 For what is the allotment of God from above, or the heritage from the Almighty on high? 3 Does not disaster come to the unjust and calamity to the workers of iniquity? 4 Does He not see my ways and count my every step? 5 If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has rushed to deceit, 6 let God weigh me with honest scales, that He may know my integrity. 7 If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has followed my eyes, or if impurity has stuck to my hands, 8 then may another eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted. 9 If my heart has been enticed by my neighbor’s wife, or I have lurked at his door, 10 then may my own wife grind grain for another, and may other men sleep with her. 11 For that would be a heinous crime, an iniquity to be judged. 12 For it is a fire that burns down to Abaddon; it would root out my entire harvest. 13 If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me, 14 what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account? 15 Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb? 16 If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, 17 if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— 18 though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— 19 if I have seen one perish for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a cloak, 20 if his heart has not blessed me for warming him with the fleece of my sheep, 21 if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate, 22 then may my arm fall from my shoulder and be torn from its socket. 23 For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower. 24 If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, 25 if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much, 26 if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, 27 so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth, 28 this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God on high. 29 If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him— 30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse— 31 if the men of my house have not said, ‘Who is there who has not had his fill?’— 32 but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler— 33 if I have covered my transgressions like Adam by hiding my guilt in my heart, 34 because I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside— 35 (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. 36 Surely I would carry it on my shoulder and wear it like a crown. 37 I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.)— 38 if my land cries out against me and its furrows weep together, 39 if I have devoured its produce without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants, 40 then let briers grow instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley.” Thus conclude the words of Job.

‹ Chapter 30 Job — All Chapters Chapter 32 ›

Study Notes — Job 31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

In Job 31, Job presents a comprehensive defense of his integrity, detailing his avoidance of lust, his commitment to fairness and justice, and his care for the poor and needy. He affirms his trust in God's judgment, even in the face of suffering, and asserts that he has not denied the words of the Holy One. Job's speech is a testament to his strong moral fiber and his desire to live a life pleasing to God, as seen in Job 31:1, where he says, 'I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.' He also emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, as stated in Job 31:13-15, and acknowledges that God is the ultimate judge of all actions, as expressed in Job 31:2-4.

Context for the Chapter

Job 31 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Job, which explores the themes of suffering, righteousness, and the nature of God. This chapter is a response to the accusations of Job's friends, who have suggested that Job's suffering is a result of his own sin. Job's defense of his integrity serves as a testament to his strong moral fiber and his desire to live a life pleasing to God, and it sets the stage for God's eventual response to Job's cries for justice and understanding.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Job's defense of his integrity, we are reminded of the importance of living a life of moral purity and integrity. We are called to guard our hearts and minds against sinful desires, and to treat others with kindness and respect. We are also reminded that our righteousness is not our own, but is imputed to us through faith in Christ, and that we must trust in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of suffering and uncertainty.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Job 31 is a chapter where Job defends his integrity and righteousness. He says that he has lived a blameless life before God and men, and that he has not denied the words of the Holy One. Job's speech is a testament to his strong moral fiber and his desire to live a life pleasing to God, as seen in Job 31:1, where he says, 'I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.'

Voices from the Church

“Job's integrity was not merely a negative virtue, but a positive and active principle, which led him to do good and to avoid evil.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“Job's defense of his integrity is a testament to the power of conscience, which is a witness to the moral law written on the heart of every human being.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Job's Commitment to Moral Purity (Job 31:1-4) — Job makes a covenant with his eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman, and he affirms his trust in God's judgment.
  2. Job's Defense of His Integrity (Job 31:5-12) — Job defends his integrity, asserting that he has lived a blameless life before God and men, and that he has not denied the words of the Holy One.
  3. Job's Commitment to Fairness and Justice (Job 31:13-15) — Job emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, as demonstrated in his treatment of his servants and his care for the poor and needy.
  4. Job's Trust in God's Judgment (Job 31:16-23) — Job affirms his trust in God's judgment, even in the face of suffering, and he asserts that he has not denied the words of the Holy One.
  5. Job's Conclusion (Job 31:24-40) — Job concludes his defense of his integrity, reiterating his commitment to living a life of moral purity and integrity, and his trust in God's judgment and providence.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Moral Purity
Job's commitment to moral purity is a testament to the importance of living a life of integrity and self-control, as seen in Job 31:1-4.
The Doctrine of Imputed Righteousness
Job's attempts to defend his own righteousness ultimately fall short, demonstrating the need for a Savior who can impute righteousness to believers, as explained in Romans 3:21-26.
The Providence of God
Job's trust in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of suffering, is a testament to the doctrine of God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Job 31:2-4 and Psalm 103:19.
The Importance of Treating Others with Kindness and Respect
Job's emphasis on treating others with kindness and respect is a reflection of the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as demonstrated in Job 31:13-15 and Matthew 22:37-40.

Lessons from Job 31

  1. The Importance of Living a Life of Moral Purity — Job's commitment to moral purity is a testament to the importance of living a life of integrity and self-control, as seen in Job 31:1-4.
  2. The Doctrine of Imputed Righteousness — Job's attempts to defend his own righteousness ultimately fall short, demonstrating the need for a Savior who can impute righteousness to believers, as explained in Romans 3:21-26.
  3. The Providence of God — Job's trust in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of suffering, is a testament to the doctrine of God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Job 31:2-4 and Psalm 103:19.
  4. The Importance of Treating Others with Kindness and Respect — Job's emphasis on treating others with kindness and respect is a reflection of the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as demonstrated in Job 31:13-15 and Matthew 22:37-40.
  5. The Importance of Trusting in God's Judgment and Providence — Job's trust in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of suffering, is a testament to the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Job 31:2-4 and Psalm 103:19.

Themes from Job 31

  1. Integrity and Righteousness — Job's defense of his integrity is a testament to the importance of living a life of moral purity and integrity, as seen in Job 31:1-4.
  2. The Providence of God — Job's trust in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of suffering, is a testament to the doctrine of God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Job 31:2-4 and Psalm 103:19.
  3. The Importance of Treating Others with Kindness and Respect — Job's emphasis on treating others with kindness and respect is a reflection of the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as demonstrated in Job 31:13-15 and Matthew 22:37-40.
  4. The Doctrine of Imputed Righteousness — Job's attempts to defend his own righteousness ultimately fall short, demonstrating the need for a Savior who can impute righteousness to believers, as explained in Romans 3:21-26.
  5. The Importance of Trusting in God's Judgment and Providence — Job's trust in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of suffering, is a testament to the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Job 31:2-4 and Psalm 103:19.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does Job's defense of his integrity reveal about his character and values?
  2. How does Job's commitment to moral purity relate to the biblical principle of living a life of integrity and self-control?
  3. What does Job's trust in God's judgment and providence reveal about his understanding of God's sovereignty and control over all things?
  4. How does Job's emphasis on treating others with kindness and respect reflect the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself?
  5. What lessons can we learn from Job's defense of his integrity, and how can we apply these lessons to our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Job's Commitment to Moral Purity (Job 31:1-4)

31:1 Job makes a covenant with his eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman, demonstrating his commitment to moral purity and integrity.
31:2 Job affirms his trust in God's judgment, even in the face of suffering, and he asserts that he has not denied the words of the Holy One.

2. Job's Defense of His Integrity (Job 31:5-12)

31:5 Job defends his integrity, asserting that he has lived a blameless life before God and men, and that he has not denied the words of the Holy One.
31:6 Job affirms his trust in God's judgment, even in the face of suffering, and he asserts that he has not denied the words of the Holy One.

3. Job's Commitment to Fairness and Justice (Job 31:13-15)

31:13 Job emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, as demonstrated in his treatment of his servants and his care for the poor and needy.
31:14 Job affirms his trust in God's judgment, even in the face of suffering, and he asserts that he has not denied the words of the Holy One.

4. Job's Trust in God's Judgment (Job 31:16-23)

31:16 Job affirms his trust in God's judgment, even in the face of suffering, and he asserts that he has not denied the words of the Holy One.
31:17 Job emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, as demonstrated in his treatment of his servants and his care for the poor and needy.

5. Job's Conclusion (Job 31:24-40)

31:24 Job concludes his defense of his integrity, reiterating his commitment to living a life of moral purity and integrity, and his trust in God's judgment and providence.
31:25 Job affirms his trust in God's judgment, even in the face of suffering, and he asserts that he has not denied the words of the Holy One.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Job 31?

The main theme of Job 31 is Job's defense of his integrity and righteousness, as seen in his commitment to moral purity, his emphasis on treating others with kindness and respect, and his trust in God's judgment and providence.

How does Job's defense of his integrity relate to the biblical principle of living a life of integrity and self-control?

Job's defense of his integrity is a testament to the importance of living a life of moral purity and integrity, as seen in Job 31:1-4, and it reflects the biblical principle of living a life of integrity and self-control, as demonstrated in Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 5:28.

What does Job's trust in God's judgment and providence reveal about his understanding of God's sovereignty and control over all things?

Job's trust in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of suffering, is a testament to the doctrine of God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Job 31:2-4 and Psalm 103:19.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Job 31:1 → Proverbs 4:23 Job's commitment to moral purity is reflected in the biblical principle of guarding one's heart and mind against sinful desires, as seen in Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 5:28.
2 Job 31:2-4 → Psalm 103:19 Job's trust in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of suffering, is a testament to the doctrine of God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Psalm 103:19 and Job 31:2-4.
3 Job 31:13-15 → Matthew 22:37-40 Job's emphasis on treating others with kindness and respect is a reflection of the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as demonstrated in Matthew 22:37-40 and Job 31:13-15.
4 Job 31:16-23 → Romans 3:21-26 Job's attempts to defend his own righteousness ultimately fall short, demonstrating the need for a Savior who can impute righteousness to believers, as explained in Romans 3:21-26.
5 Job 31:24-40 → Hebrews 11:1-40 Job's conclusion of his defense of his integrity is a testament to the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Hebrews 11:1-40 and Job 31:24-40.
6 Job 31:1 → Matthew 5:28 Job's commitment to moral purity is reflected in the biblical principle of living a life of integrity and self-control, as demonstrated in Matthew 5:28 and Job 31:1.
7 Job 31:2-4 → Psalm 37:3-7 Job's trust in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of suffering, is a testament to the doctrine of God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Job 31:2-4.
8 Job 31:13-15 → Galatians 5:22-23 Job's emphasis on treating others with kindness and respect is a reflection of the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as demonstrated in Galatians 5:22-23 and Job 31:13-15.
9 Job 31:16-23 → Ephesians 2:8-10 Job's attempts to defend his own righteousness ultimately fall short, demonstrating the need for a Savior who can impute righteousness to believers, as explained in Ephesians 2:8-10.
10 Job 31:24-40 → Revelation 21:1-4 Job's conclusion of his defense of his integrity is a testament to the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and control over all things, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4 and Job 31:24-40.

Sermons on Job 31

SermonDescription
Keith Daniel Husbands Love Your Wifes! by Keith Daniel Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spo
Roy Hession (Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 2. Where Job Went Wrong by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Job and explores where Job went wrong in his understanding of God's moral philosophy. The speaker explains that the ancient Orien
Roy Hession (Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 3. the Message of Elihu by Roy Hession In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and its various chapters. He highlights how Job's friends were amazed and stopped speaking, allowing Job to finally have a ch
Zac Poonen Finishing the Course - 08 Being a Nobody by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how God allowed him to go through trials and humiliations because there was one fundamental thing wrong with him. Despite
Zac Poonen Learning the Fear of God (Telugu) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of fearing God and turning away from sin, drawing insights from the book of Job as the first book written by God in the Bible. It highlights t
Zac Poonen Winning God's Approval - Part 2 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses two types of preachers: those who focus on visions and dreams, and those who cling to traditions. He emphasizes the importance of not changin
Russell Kelfer God's Truth About Responsibility by Russell Kelfer In this sermon, the preacher addresses the controversial topic of responsibility and who is to blame for our problems. He discusses the common belief that Satan is responsible for
Richard Wurmbrand 1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 3 by Richard Wurmbrand This sermon delves into the topic of abortion, urging listeners to consider the perspective of the fetus and the sanctity of life. It emphasizes the need to listen to God's guidanc
John Piper God at Work in Every Womb (Sanctity of Human Life Sunday) by John Piper In this sermon, John Piper emphasizes the importance of living a life dedicated to serving others and alleviating suffering. He urges Christians to prioritize helping the weak, fat
Joshua Daniel An Audit From God by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of undergoing a spiritual audit before God, reflecting on the need for integrity, transparency, and repentance in our lives. It highlights the

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Job 31

Matthew Henry's commentary on Job 31 highlights the importance of living a life of moral purity and integrity, as seen in Job's commitment to moral purity and his emphasis on treating others with kindness and respect. Henry notes that Job's trust in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of suffering, is a testament to the doctrine of God's sovereignty and control over all things. Henry also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's judgment and providence, even in the face of uncertainty and suffering, as seen in Job 31:2-4 and Psalm 103:19. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Job's Confidence in His Own Righteousness

Job is confident in his own moral uprightness, as seen in his defense of his integrity and his assertion that he has lived a blameless life before God and men.

Job's Commitment to Moral Purity

Job is committed to maintaining his moral purity, as seen in his covenant with his eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman and his avoidance of lust.

Job's Emphasis on Treating Others with Kindness and Respect

Job emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, as demonstrated in his treatment of his servants and his care for the poor and needy.

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