Job 31:24 - Meaning and Application

These verses give us four more parts of Job’s defense. Like the rest, they show us what he was and what we should be. First, Job says he never set his heart on the wealth of this world or treated it as his happiness. He had gold and much fine gold, but he did not make it his security or joy.

He did not put his trust in wealth, Job 31:24. That is a foolish thing to do, because riches cannot make a person truly safe or happy. Some trust money as if it were a sign of God’s favor, and others trust it as if it could guarantee comfort in this life. But wealth itself is uncertain, and our enjoyment of it is even more uncertain. It is hard to have riches without trusting in them, and that is one reason it is so hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mat 19:23; Mar 10:24).

Job also says he did not take special pride in his wealth, Job 31:25. He did not boast that his own hand had won it for him, as if his strength alone had made him rich (Deu 8:17). He did not delight in money more than in spiritual things, which were the real joy of his heart. Even in abundance, he did not say to himself, “Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” Because he was not overly pleased with his wealth, he was able to bear its loss so patiently. The less a person clings to comfort, the less pain he feels when it is taken away.

Second, Job says he never gave to any creature the honor that belongs to God alone. He was never guilty of idolatry, Job 31:26-28. His friends do not seem to have accused him of this, but there were people in that time who worshiped the sun and moon. That was one of the oldest forms of idolatry, and it was a strong temptation because of their beauty and power (Deu 4:19). At that time, such worship seems to have been hidden, not openly accepted as it later became.

Job kept himself far from this sin. He never bowed to the sun or moon, and he kept his eyes, heart, and lips clean from idolatry. He would not even look at the heavenly lights in a way that gave them divine honor. Instead, he looked through them by faith to the Creator, the Father of lights. He also guarded his heart carefully, so it would not be secretly drawn into thinking there was divine power in their brightness or influence. Idolatry begins in the heart, when desire draws a person away and traps him.

He did not even perform the smallest act of worship toward them. His mouth did not kiss his hand, which was likely a common sign of reverence then. Job calls this sin an evil the judge should punish, because it harms whole nations and weakens public life. More than that, he saw it as a direct insult to the God of heaven, a denial of the God above and of his rule. Idolatry is, in effect, atheism, because it denies God’s place and power. We should be careful of anything that quietly denies God, his care, or any of his qualities.

Third, Job says he never wished harm on even his worst enemy. He was not vengeful. He did not only refuse to strike back, he also refused to take pleasure in their trouble. Many people will not openly hurt those who have wronged them, yet they still feel secret joy when those people suffer. Job says he was not like that, Job 31:29.

Even when he saw the ruin of those who hated him, he did not rejoice. That would have been a sinful spirit, and it would have brought guilt on him too (Pro 24:17-18). Job also says he did not quietly wish for evil to come on them, Job 31:30.

He says he never wished a curse on his own soul, and that is one of the worst curses a person can wish. He never wanted his death, because he knew that would have turned into sin for him. He was careful not to sin with his tongue (Psalm 39:1), and he would not let his mouth speak evil. For that reason, he would not call down harm, even on his worst enemy. If others hate us, that does not give us the right to hate them back.

He was also strongly pushed toward revenge, yet he kept himself clear of it (Job 31:31). The men in his tent, his servants, and those around him were so angry at Job’s enemy that they could have torn him apart if Job had only given the word. In effect, they were saying, “We wish we could get revenge on him. Our master is willing to forgive, but we are not.” This shows how much Job’s household loved him, because they fully supported his cause and hated his enemies. It also shows how firmly Job held himself back, because he would not take revenge even with people around him stirring up his anger.

A good man often feels less troubled by insults than his friends do on his behalf. Also, people in power usually have others around them who push them toward revenge. David had such people too (1 Samuel 24:4; 1 Samuel 26:8; 2 Samuel 16:9). But if such a person keeps his temper, despite harmful suggestions from others, he will later have no shame over it. Instead, it will bring him much honor.

Job also says he was never cruel or unfriendly to strangers (Job 31:32). No traveler had to sleep in the street, like the angels would have done in Sodom if Lot had not taken them in. That example may have taught Job, as it teaches us, not to forget to welcome strangers (Hebrews 13:2). People who are at home should think about those who are away from home, put themselves in their place, and then do what they would want done for themselves. Hospitality is a Christian duty (1 Peter 4:9).

In his prosperous days, Job was known for generous hospitality. He opened his door to the road, or, as it may be read, he kept the street door open so he could see who was passing by and invite them in, like Abraham did (Genesis 18:1).