38 If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain; [1] 39 If I have eaten the fruits [2] thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: 40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle [3] instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.

Other Translations of Job 31:38-40

New International Version

38 "if my land cries out against me and all its furrows are wet with tears, 39 if I have devoured its yield without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants, 40 then let briers come up instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley." The words of Job are ended.

English Standard Version

38 "If my land has cried out against me and its furrows have wept together, 39 if I have eaten its yield without payment and made its owners breathe their last, 40 let thorns grow instead of wheat, and foul weeds instead of barley."The words of Job are ended.

The Message

38 "If the very ground that I farm accuses me, if even the furrows fill with tears from my abuse, 39 If I've ever raped the earth for my own profit or dispossessed its rightful owners, 40 Then curse it with thistles instead of wheat, curse it with weeds instead of barley." The words of Job to his three friends were finished. Elihu Speaks

New King James Version

38 "If my land cries out against me, And its furrows weep together; 39 If I have eaten its fruit without money, Or caused its owners to lose their lives; 40 Then let thistles grow instead of wheat, And weeds instead of barley." The words of Job are ended.

New Living Translation

38 "If my land accuses me and all its furrows cry out together, 39 or if I have stolen its crops or murdered its owners, 40 then let thistles grow on that land instead of wheat, and weeds instead of barley." Job's words are ended.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 31:38-40

Commentary on Job 31:33-40

(Read Job 31:33-40)

Job clears himself from the charge of hypocrisy. We are loth to confess our faults, willing to excuse them, and to lay the blame upon others. But he that thus covers his sins, shall not prosper, 1 John 1:8. Let us all judge ourselves; wherein we are guilty, let us seek forgiveness in that blood which cleanseth from all sin; and may the Lord have mercy upon us, and write his laws in our hearts!