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.
24 If I have made gold my confidence, And to the pure gold have said, 'My trust,' 25 If I rejoice because great 'is' my wealth, And because abundance hath my hand found, 26 If I see the light when it shineth, And the precious moon walking, 27 And my heart is enticed in secret, And my hand doth kiss my mouth, 28 It also 'is' a judicial iniquity, For I had lied to God above.
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.