Job 31:1

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 31:1

I. Note the "I" of self-justification; and see note on Job 29:2 . why . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Job 31:1

JOB 31JOB'S GREAT OATH OF INNOCENCE[1]This is the third part of the trilogy."This priceless testament is a fitting consummation of `the words of Job' (Job 31:40)."[2] "The picture that Job here presents of himself is extraordinarily like that of a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, as revealed by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount. He goes beyond act to thought, and beneath conduct to the heart."[3]This affirmation by Job regarding his innocence mentions the sins of which his `friends' had... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Job 31:1

CHAP. XXXI. Job makes a solemn protestation of his integrity, and concludes with a prayer that his defence might be heard and recorded. Before Christ 1645. Job 31:1. Why then should I think upon a maid?— This has been generally understood to mean the great care and circumspection which Job had used to avoid all temptations and occasions of sin; and he subjoins in the following verses the high and reasonable motives which had urged him, and should urge every man, to such a circumspection: Job... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Job 31:1

1-4. He asserts his guarding against being allured to sin by his senses. think—rather, "cast a (lustful) look." He not merely did not so, but put it out of the question by covenanting with his eyes against leading him into temptation (Proverbs 6:25; Matthew 5:28). 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 31:1

XXXI.(1) I made a covenant with mine eyes.—Job makes one grand profession of innocence, rehearsing his manner of life from the first; and here he does not content himself with traversing the accusations of his friends, but professes his innocence also of sins less manifest to the observance of others, and affecting the secret conduct and the heart—namely, sensual transgression and idolatry. His object, therefore, is to show his friends that he has really been more upright than their standard... 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

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