Job 31:34

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Job 31
  4. Job 31:34

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Job 1 Job 2 Job 3 Job 4 Job 5 Job 6 Job 7 Job 8 Job 9 Job 10 Job 11 Job 12 Job 13 Job 14 Job 15 Job 16 Job 17 Job 18 Job 19 Job 20 Job 21 Job 22 Job 23 Job 24 Job 25 Job 26 Job 27 Job 28 Job 29 Job 30 Job 31 Job 32 Job 33 Job 34 Job 35 Job 36 Job 37 Job 38 Job 39 Job 40 Job 41 Job 42

Verse

Job 31:1 Job 31:2 Job 31:3 Job 31:4 Job 31:5 Job 31:6 Job 31:7 Job 31:8 Job 31:9 Job 31:10 Job 31:11 Job 31:12 Job 31:13 Job 31:14 Job 31:15 Job 31:16 Job 31:17 Job 31:18 Job 31:19 Job 31:20 Job 31:21 Job 31:22 Job 31:23 Job 31:24 Job 31:25 Job 31:26 Job 31:27 Job 31:28 Job 31:29 Job 31:30 Job 31:31 Job 31:32 Job 31:33 Job 31:34 Job 31:35 Job 31:36 Job 31:37 Job 31:38 Job 31:39 Job 31:40

Job 31:34 KJV

Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?

Previous Verse
« Job 31:33
Next Verse
Job 31:35 »

Job 31:34 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Job 31:34

Introduction

Job 31:34 reads, "Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?" In this verse, Job is addressing his integrity and the accountability he has maintained throughout his trials. The culmination of his defenses against the accusations of his friends brings to light the steadfastness with which he has approached his suffering and the principles that govern his actions.

Contextual Background

This verse is situated within a larger discourse where Job asserts his righteousness to counter the claims made by his friends regarding his suffering. Job's statements reflect his awareness of societal norms, personal dignity, and a profound commitment to living a life of integrity before God and man.

Commentary from Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry comments on the psychological and social pressures that Job faced. He notes that Job acknowledges the potential fear of public opinion or family disapproval, which could lead one to remain silent in the face of injustice or wrongdoing.

  • Fear of the Multitude: Henry suggests that there is a natural tendency to yield to the pressure of the masses. In Job's context, the multitude represents the societal norms that often dictate behavior, pressuring individuals to conform to their expectations, regardless of personal convictions.
  • Contempt of Families: The phrase underscores the weight of familial relationships and the influence they have on a person's choices. Job, however, highlights that neither fear nor contempt swayed him from proclaiming his innocence, showcasing the depth of his commitment to maintain his integrity.
  • Silence and Action: Job's rhetorical question implies that his silence was not due to fear but rather rooted in his steadfastness to truth. Henry emphasizes the importance of vocalizing one's conviction, particularly in times of trial.

Insights from Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes offers a deeper examination of Job's mental state. He states that Job's resolve not to speak against his own conscience reflects not only his righteousness but also an unwavering faith in God.

  • Public Opinion: Barnes articulates that Job challenges the notion of fearing public opinion. He encourages readers to consider their own responses to societal pressure and the way it can inhibit truth-telling and righteousness.
  • Integrity in Trials: The integrity that Job embodies serves as a reminder of the essential Christian virtue of standing firm, even when surrounded by condemnation or doubt from others. This aligns with the New Testament’s teaching on enduring trials with faith.
  • Consequences of Silence: Barnes notes that Job’s reluctance to speak out in fear reflects the broader human experience of maintaining voice in the face of adversity. It serves as a warning against allowing fear to silence the truth.

Reflections from Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke contributes to the understanding of Job 31:34 by examining the emotional and ethical dimensions of Job's predicament. He highlights the psychological burdens that Job carried and how they relate to moral responsibilities.

  • Moral Accountability: Clarke underscores the notion that Job's rhetorical questioning implies a deep awareness of moral responsibility. He fosters the idea that true integrity necessitates an active engagement with moral truth, particularly when it is challenged by external pressures.
  • Social Fear versus Faith: Clarke draws a distinction between the fear of societal rejection and the unwavering faith Job places in God. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing divine approval over human acceptance.
  • Spiritual Warfare: Clarke posits that the battle against the fear of public opinion is indicative of larger spiritual warfare. He encourages believers to confront this fear by deeply rooting themselves in their faith and calling.

Theological Implications

The insights gleaned from this verse highlight several theological implications worth exploring:

  • Call to Courage: Job's assertion serves as a testament to the courage required to live an upright life amidst adversity. It challenges readers, especially pastors and students, to reflect on their own courage in proclaiming truth.
  • Understanding Trials: The verse invites believers to consider the role of suffering in the context of faith. Can trials strengthen one's resolve to stay true to their convictions? Job’s examples encourage a reframing of trials as opportunities for growth.
  • Role of Community: The pressures exerted by community and family raise questions about the role that the Church plays in supporting individuals facing similar struggles with social pressures.

Conclusion

Job 31:34 distills a powerful lesson in integrity and faithfulness amid persecution and societal pressures. The reflections from respected commentators such as Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke reinforce the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions, regardless of the trials faced. For pastors, students, and theologians, this verse serves as a compelling reminder of the nature of true righteousness and the call to maintain vocal faith in a tumultuous world.

Job 31 (KJV) Verse Selection

Job 31:1 Job 31:2 Job 31:3 Job 31:4 Job 31:5 Job 31:6 Job 31:7 Job 31:8 Job 31:9 Job 31:10 Job 31:11 Job 31:12 Job 31:13 Job 31:14 Job 31:15 Job 31:16 Job 31:17 Job 31:18 Job 31:19 Job 31:20 Job 31:21 Job 31:22 Job 31:23 Job 31:24 Job 31:25 Job 31:26 Job 31:27 Job 31:28 Job 31:29 Job 31:30 Job 31:31 Job 31:32 Job 31:33 Job 31:34 Job 31:35 Job 31:36 Job 31:37 Job 31:38 Job 31:39 Job 31:40

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »