33 if like Adam I have covered my transgressions,
by hiding my iniquity in my heart, 34 because I feared the great multitude,
and the contempt of families terrified me,
so that I kept silence, and didn’t go out of the door— 35 oh that I had one to hear me!
(behold, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me);
let the accuser write my indictment! 36 Surely I would carry it on my shoulder;
and I would bind it to me as a crown. 37 I would declare to him the number of my steps.
as a prince would I go near to him. 38 If my land cries out against me,
and its furrows weep together; 39 if I have eaten its fruits without money,
or have caused its owners to lose their life, 40 let briars grow instead of wheat,
and stinkweed instead of barley.”
The words of Job are ended.
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!