Job 31:1-40

31:1-40 | Much temptation begins with gazing intensely at something you desire (Ps. 119:37; 1 John 2:16). Job’s covenant commitment to refrain from lustful desire reveals his refusal to consider adultery or the acquisition of other women as part of a harem. He was aware that adultery can be committed with the heart as well as with the body (Matt. 5:27-28).

31:2-4 | Though Job protested the accusations and logic of his friends, these words strongly suggest he actually held to the retribution principle as much as they did (Prov. 5:21).

31:6-40 | Job understood that God weighs on an honest set of scales, and if he was guilty of any wrongdoing, he was willing to face the consequences. He would even let another man sleep with his wife if he himself were guilty of adultery.

31:13-15 | Did not He who had made me in the womb make them? Is a statement of fundamental human equality. Job presented an impartial and just managerial record. He said he had not mistreated any of his employees because he knew he answered to the Maker of all (Prov. 14:31; 22:2).

31:16-23 | Job gave God permission to do whatever He wanted – even taking his limbs – if he deserved it for mistreating the poor.

31:24-35 | As Job ends his final defense, he could honestly say he had not made gold his hope or participated in false worship. (Throwing a kiss to heavenly deities – kissed my hand – was a pagan superstition.) He also never rejoiced at the misfortune of someone who hated him, pronounced a curse on those who mistreated him, or refused hospitality to strangers in need.