Job 31:23

Job 31:23

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21 If I have raised my hand ^aagainst the fatherless,
When I saw I had help in the gate;

22 Then let my arm fall from my shoulder,
Let my arm be torn from the socket.

23 For ^adestruction from God is a terror to me,
And because of His magnificence I cannot endure.

24 “If^a I have made gold my hope,
Or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’;

25 ^aIf I have rejoiced because my wealth was great,
And because my hand had gained much;

26 ^aIf I have observed the¹ sun when it shines,
Or the moon moving in brightness,

27 So that my heart has been secretly enticed,
And my mouth has kissed my hand;

28 This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment,
For I would have denied God who is above.

29 “If^a I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me,
Or lifted myself up when evil found him

30 ^a(Indeed I have not allowed my mouth to sin
By asking for a curse on his¹ soul);

Commentaries:

Barnes' Notes

<< Job 31:22

Job 31:24 >>

For destruction from God was a terror to me - The destruction which God would bring upon one who was guilty of the crime here specified, awed and restrained me. He was deterred from this crime of oppressing the fatherless by the fear of God. He could have escaped the judgment of people. He had power and influence enough not to dread the penalty of human law. He could have done it in such a way as not to have been arraigned before any earthly tribunal, but he remembered that the eye of God was upon him, and that he was the avenger of the fatherless and the widow.

And by reason of his highness - On account of his majesty, exaltation, glory.

I could not endure - lo'ûkôl - I could not; that is, I could not do it. I was so much awed by his majesty; I had such a veneration for him, that I could not be guilty of such an offence.

**Other Barnes' Notes entries containing Job 31:23:**

Job 31:38

<< Job 31:22

Job 31:24 >>

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