Job 31:30

Translations

Modern

I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse—

Traditional

Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul.

Literal

…though I had not given my mouth to sin by asking with a curse for his life—

Latin

…non enim dedi ad peccandum guttur meum, ut expeterem maledicens animam ejus.

Original

Hebrew

English

I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse—

Notes

Job 31:29–30

I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin: See Proverbs 24:17–18; compare 2 Samuel 16:5–8.
Speaking evil against (a curse) anyone went against the spirit of the sixth commandment (Deuteronomy 5:17; see Matthew 5:21–22).
It was against God's will to seek revenge (Matthew 5:43–44; Romans 12:14; James 3:6–10; 1 Peter 3:9).

Job 31:1–40

Job called down wrong against himself (curses) if he was guilty of the accusations against him. Apart from mentioning idolatry (worship of false gods), Job spoke about how loyal he was to God by focusing on the second half of the Ten Commandments (31:26–27). The summary of these is: “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Romans 13:9).

Job 29:1–31:40

Job compares his past happiness, honor, and wealth with his current loss of social dignity and divine friendship (chapters 29 and 30). He ends his speech with broad vows of innocence (chapter 31).

Theme notes and profiles

Job’s Innocence

Events

Job's Trial

Related verses

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.
1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Exodus 23:4–5
If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.
James 3:9–10
With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.
Matthew 5:22
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
1 Peter 2:22–23
“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”
Matthew 5:43–44
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’
Ecclesiastes 5:6
Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?
Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.
Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
James 3:6
The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Glossary

Book of Job

Topics

Enemies: Curse Them Not Enemy: General Scriptures Concerning Hatred: Saints should not Rejoice in the Calamities of Those Who Exhibit Integrity: General Scriptures Concerning Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Malice: Saints Avoid Temptation: Resistance To

Job 31:30

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