Job 31: If I have…

 “If I have made gold my hope, Or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’;  If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, And because my hand had gained much; If I have observed the sun when it shines, Or the moon moving in brightness, So that my heart has been secretly enticed, And my mouth has kissed my hand; This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment, For I would have denied God who is above. “If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, Or lifted myself up when evil found him… Job 31:24-29

Job Asserts His Integrity

Job’s final words constitute what is perhaps Scripture’s most powerful picture of the righteous OT saint. If Job had turned aside from the pathway he defines, he would deserve his present suffering. But Job has not sinned. His integrity is intact. And having made this powerful statement, Job falls silent. He has nothing more to say.

31:1-40 Job’s oath of innocence contains curses that he invites God to impose if He is to find Job guilty. Yet in this oath, a hint of pride creeps in, setting the stage for the speeches of Elihu and the Lord.

What is sin? Job tells us by stating what he did with his life. We all should be convicted by his chapter because most of us fail to do what Job did. God was pleased with Job because of Job’s conducts described in this chapter.  Be kind and generous to the poor. Be humble even when we have wealth. No worshipping of idols. Acknowledge God above all.

⇒ The scripture is like other God’s creations. Its contents are intentionally fashioned and have their purpose.

1  “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?

⇒ His actions were intentional rather than by default.  Fear and Acknowledgement of God above allow us to be wise and shape our life intentionally rather than living it recklessly.