Job 31:23 NIV

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Job 31:1-40

Job reaffirms his innocence (31:1-40)Once again Job examines his past life to see if, in fact, he has committed some great sin for which God is now punishing him. He readily acknowledges that God sees everything and that his punishment of sin is just. God knows that he has not been guilty even of unlawful sexual lust (31:1-4). He has not cheated others to enrich himself. If someone can prove that he has, he will gladly surrender all the produce of his fields (5-8). If he has committed adultery,... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Job 31:23

highness = majesty. endure = escape. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Job 31:23

23. For—that is, the reason why Job guarded against such sins. Fear of God, though he could escape man's judgment ( :-). UMBREIT more spiritedly translates, Yea, destruction and terror from God might have befallen me (had I done so): mere fear not being the motive. highness—majestic might. endure—I could have availed nothing against it. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Job 31:1-40

Job’s continuing innocence ch. 31As was common in ancient Near Eastern judicial cases, Job concluded his summary defense with an oath of innocence. He did so in the form of a negative confession complete with self-imprecations. [Note: Parsons, p. 141. Cf. Michael Brennan Dick, "The Legal Metaphor in Job 31," Catholic Biblical Quarterly 41 (1979):42, 47.] He concluded with a challenge to God to present His charges in writing (Job 31:35-37). Job’s idea was that if God remained silent this would... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Job 31:1-40

Job Protests the Innocence of his Past LifeJob’s virtues are those of a great Arab prince, such as are admired still: namely, blameless family life, consideration for the poor and weak, charity, modesty, and generosity concerning wealth, pure religion (according to his creed), the absence of vindictive feelings, hospitality to strangers, fearless honesty and just dealings.1-12. Sensual sins.1. I made a covenant with mine eyes] Job resolved to keep a guard over them that they should not... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Job 31:23

(23) I could not endure.—Rather, I was unable to act thus. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Job 31:1-40

Job 31:1 'Chastity,' said Bishop Camus of Belley, 'is timid and sensitive, trembling at every shadow, quick at every sound, fearing every peril. It takes alarm at a glance as a very Job, who had made a covenant with his eyes; the slightest word disconcerts it; it is suspicious of sweet scents; good food seems a snare, mirth a levity, society treacherous, light reading a danger. It moves along all eyes and ears, like one covered with jewels who crosses a forest, and starts at every step,... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Job 31:1-40

XXIV.AS A PRINCE BEFORE THE KINGJob 29:1-25; Job 30:1-31; Job 31:1-40Job SPEAKSFROM the pain and desolation to which he has become inured as a pitiable second state of existence, Job looks back to the years of prosperity and health which in long succession he once enjoyed. This parable or review of the past ends his contention. Honour and blessedness are apparently denied him forever. With what has been he compares his present misery and proceeds to a bold and noble vindication of his character... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Job 31:1-40

CHAPTER 31 1. My chastity and righteousness (Job 31:1-12 ) 2. My philanthropy (Job 31:13-23 ) 3. My integrity and hospitality (Job 31:24-34 ) 4. Let God and man disprove me (Job 31:35-40 ) Job 31:1-12 . His final word is the final word in his self-righteous vindication. He gives Eliphaz the lie. He gives a review of his life to prove that he is clean in the sight of God and of man. Even if after this outburst his friends would have an inclination to answer him they could not have done... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Job 31:23

31:23 For destruction [from] God [was] a {q} terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.(q) I did not refrain from sin for fear of men, but because I feared God. read more