Job 31:16 - “If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,

Generated Verse: Job 31:16

What does "Job 31:16" mean?


This verse, Job 31:16, is part of a longer passage (Job 31:16-23) where Job is defending his integrity and arguing his innocence against accusations of wrongdoing that would explain his suffering. In this particular verse, he is essentially stating that he has not been guilty of oppressing the poor and neglecting the widow. Let's break it down:

"If I have withheld the poor from their desire..." This refers to denying the poor the things they need and legitimately desire. It doesn't necessarily mean granting every whim, but rather preventing them from accessing basic necessities or reasonable requests for help. This implies a scenario where Job had the power and resources to assist the poor but chose not to, thereby frustrating their legitimate desires for a better life. He denies that he did this.

"...or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail..." Widows in ancient societies were often particularly vulnerable, lacking the support of a husband. Their "eyes failing" implies either:
Exhaustion from constantly searching for help: Widows would have been looking expectantly and anxiously for support and assistance, and Job suggests he didn't disappoint them to the point of despair and exhaustion.
Disappointment and despair: Their eyes "fail" from weeping or from a lack of hope because their needs were not being met.

In summary, Job is saying: "I have not taken advantage of the vulnerable. I haven't refused to help the poor when they needed it, and I haven't neglected the widows or caused them to lose hope because of my inaction or oppression."

Context within Job 31:

This verse is part of a larger "oath of clearance" or "protestation of innocence" that Job makes. He lists a series of wrongdoings he hasn't committed, as if to say, "If I had done any of these terrible things, then I deserve the suffering I'm experiencing." He's asserting that his suffering is not due to any specific sin of oppression or injustice towards the vulnerable in society. He's claiming moral uprightness and righteousness in his dealings with others.