33 If I have covered as Adam my transgressions, To hide in my bosom mine iniquity, 34 Because I fear a great multitude, And the contempt of families doth affright me, Then I am silent, I go not out of the opening. 35 Who giveth to me a hearing? lo, my mark. The Mighty One doth answer me, And a bill hath mine adversary written. 36 If not—on my shoulder I take it up, I bind it a crown on myself. 37 The number of my steps I tell Him, As a leader I approach Him. 38 If against me my land doth cry out, And together its furrows weep, 39 If its strength I consumed without money, And the life of its possessors, I have caused to breathe out, 40 Instead of wheat let a thorn go forth, And instead of barley a useless weed! The words of Job are finished.
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!