31 May Job 31

In Job 31, Job defends his integrity, listing his commitments to righteousness, honesty, and compassion. He denies any wrongdoing, asserting that if guilty, he deserves punishment, but maintains his innocence before God and man.

Job's Final Défense of His Integrity

In Job 31, Job makes his final defence, asserting his commitment to living a life of righteousness, integrity, and compassion. He lists various aspects of his life where he has remained faithful to God's standards, calling on God to judge him fairly. Job's heartache is clear as he reflects on his actions, hoping to show that he has lived honourably, and has not sinned in areas such as lust, dishonesty, injustice, or neglecting the poor. Despite his suffering, he stands firm in his integrity, pleading for divine justice.

Job 31:1-4 (NIV) "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman. For what is our lot from God above, our heritage from the Almighty? Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? Does he not see my ways and count my every step?" Job begins by stating his commitment to purity, making a vow not to entertain lustful thoughts. He recognises that God's justice is fair and that He sees all things, including the motives of the heart. Job 31:13-14 (NIV) "If I have denied justice to any of my servants, whether male or female, when they had a grievance against me, what will I do when God confronts me? What will I answer when called to account?"

Job takes responsibility

Job takes responsibility for his treatment of others, particularly his servants, and insists that he has never been unjust in his dealings with them. He knows that God holds him accountable for how he treats people. Job 31:16-18 (NIV) "If I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, if I have kept my bread to myself, not sharing it with the fatherless— but from my youth I reared them as a father would, and from my birth I guided the widow—"

Job goes on to emphasise his compassion toward the poor and vulnerable, declaring that he has always helped those in need. He sees it as part of his duty, acting as a father to the fatherless and caring for widows. Job 31:24-25 (NIV) "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'You are my security,' if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high."

Job also affirms that he has never worshipped wealth, nor allowed material possessions to take priority over his relationship with God. He recognizes the danger of putting trust in riches instead of in God. Job 31:35-36 (NIV) "Oh, that I had someone to hear me! Here is my defence— let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. Surely I would wear it on my shoulder, I would put it on like a crown."

Finally, Job wishes for an opportunity to have his case heard before God. He is confident that, if judged fairly, his innocence would be acknowledged. He longs for resolution, trusting in God’s justice.

In conclusion, Job’s speech in Chapter 31 is his final plea for justice, emphasising his integrity and commitment to righteousness despite the severe trials he faces. Throughout his defence, he appeals to God's justice and calls for divine intervention, holding on to his belief that he has lived in accordance with God’s commands. His words challenge us to reflect on our own actions, our relationships with others, and our ultimate trust in God's justice, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.