33 Did I hide my sin the way Adam did, or conceal my guilt behind closed doors 34 Because I was afraid what people would say, fearing the gossip of the neighbors so much That I turned myself into a recluse? You know good and well that I didn't. 35 "Oh, if only someone would give me a hearing! I've signed my name to my defense - let the Almighty One answer! I want to see my indictment in writing. 36 Anyone's welcome to read my defense; I'll write it on a poster and carry it around town. 37 I'm prepared to account for every move I've ever made - to anyone and everyone, prince or pauper. 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
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 31:33-40
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!