Job 31

Job 31:10

Then let my wife grind unto another, &c.

Then let my wife become false to my bed, and repay my sin with the like adultery: let me be plagued, as I deserve, in my own kind.

Job 31:11

Yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges.

This had been a capital offence, worthy to be punished by the sword of authority.

Job 31:21

If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate.

If I have used my power injuriously against the fatherless, when I saw that my sentence would have been seconded, and would have carried it, upon the bench. XXXI. 26, 27, 28. 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, &c. If, when I have beheld thy glorious creatures, the sun and the moon, I have given way to any idolatrous conceits, and have ascribed divine honour unto them, as my heathen neighbours do; this were indeed a heinous and capital wickedness.

Job 31:33

If I have covered my transgressions as Adam.

If I have made shifts and excuses to hide or diminish my offence, as the manner of men is, who do herein imitate our first father Adam, and from him have derived this corruption.

Job 31:34

Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me?

Did I forbear to reprove or oppose any sin, because it was backed by a multitude of offenders? or, if I suffered myself to be disheartened by the fear of that contempt, which might fall upon me from large combinations and families.

Job 31:35

Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.

Oh, that I had a fair and equal hearing in this cause of mine! Yea, I could presume so far as to wish, that the Almighty himself would be pleased to undertake this business: and that my trial might be the more certain, oh that my adversaries would put in their bill of complaint in writing against me!

Job 31:36

Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.

Surely I would much rejoice and triumph in that indictment; and would account it the greatest honour, that could be done me.

Job 31:37

I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.

I would help such a one with such informations against myself, as he should never be able to find out; and when I have done, I would encounter him boldly and courageously, as some warlike prince would come into the field against a weak enemy.