20 If his loins have not thanked me, And if he has not been warmed with the fleece of my sheep , 21 If I have lifted up my hand against the orphan , Because I saw I had support in the gate , 22 Let my shoulder fall from the socket , And my arm be broken off at the elbow . 23 "For calamity from God is a terror to me, And because of His majesty I can do nothing .
24 "If I have put my confidence in gold , And called fine gold my trust , 25 If I have gloated because my wealth was great , And because my hand had secured so much ; 26 If I have looked at the sun when it shone Or the moon going in splendor , 27 And my heart became secretly enticed , And my hand threw a kiss from my mouth , 28 That too would have been an iniquity calling for judgment , For I would have denied God above e .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 31:20-28
Commentary on Job 31:16-23
(Read Job 31:16-23)
Job's conscience gave testimony concerning his just and charitable behaviour toward the poor. He is most large upon this head, because in this matter he was particularly accused. He was tender of all, and hurtful to none. Notice the principles by which Job was restrained from being uncharitable and unmerciful. He stood in awe of the Lord, as certainly against him, if he should wrong the poor. Regard to worldly interests may restrain a man from actual crimes; but the grace of God alone can make him hate, dread, and shun sinful thoughts and desires.
Commentary on Job 31:24-32
(Read Job 31:24-32)
Job protests, 1. That he never set his heart upon the wealth of this world. How few prosperous professors can appeal to the Lord, that they have not rejoiced because their gains were great! Through the determination to be rich, numbers ruin their souls, or pierce themselves with many sorrows. 2. He never was guilty of idolatry. The source of idolatry is in the heart, and it corrupts men, and provokes God to send judgments upon a nation. 3. He neither desired nor delighted in the hurt of the worst enemy he had. If others bear malice to us, that will not justify us in bearing malice to them. 4. He had never been unkind to strangers. Hospitality is a Christian duty, 1 Peter 4:9.