16 If I withhold from pleasure the poor, And the eyes of the widow do consume, 17 And I do eat my morsel by myself, And the orphan hath not eat of it, 18 (But from my youth He grew up with me as 'with' a father, And from the belly of my mother I am led.) 19 If I see 'any' perishing without clothing, And there is no covering to the needy, 20 If his loins have not blessed me, And from the fleece of my sheep He doth not warm himself, 21 If I have waved at the fatherless my hand, When I see in 'him' the gate of my court, 22 My shoulder from its blade let fall, And mine arm from the bone be broken. 23 For a dread unto me 'is' calamity 'from' God, And because of His excellency I am not able.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 31:16-23
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.