Job 31:7 is part of Job's lengthy self-defense, where he vehemently protests his innocence against the accusations of his friends. He's essentially arguing that he's lived a righteous and blameless life. Let's break down the verse:
"If my step has turned out of the way..." This refers to straying from the path of righteousness, moral integrity, and ethical conduct. It implies that Job hasn't intentionally deviated from what's right and just in his actions and behavior. It's a declaration that he hasn't deliberately done wrong or lived an immoral life. He is affirming that his behavior has been consistently aligned with what is considered morally upright.
"...if my heart walked after my eyes..." This points to succumbing to temptation and lust. It suggests that Job hasn't allowed his desires and lusts, ignited by what he sees (his "eyes"), to control his actions and choices. In other words, he hasn't allowed his heart to be led astray by visual temptations, like coveting something or someone he shouldn't. It's an assertion of his self-control and fidelity to moral principles.
"...if any defilement has stuck to my hands..." This is a more literal reference to being involved in dishonest or impure actions. "Defilement" here suggests wrongdoing, particularly related to material gain. Job is claiming that his actions haven't been stained by bribery, corruption, violence, or any other form of unethical behavior. It emphasizes the integrity and purity of his actions, particularly in his dealings with others.
In essence, Job is saying:
"If I have ever strayed from the path of righteousness, if I have allowed my desires to control me, or if I have been involved in any impure or dishonest deeds, then I deserve to be punished."
It's a powerful statement of innocence, and sets the stage for the penalties he lays out in the following verses if he is proven guilty. It shows his deep belief in his own integrity and serves as a strong counterpoint to the accusations leveled against him.
Job 31:7 is part of Job's lengthy self-defense, where he vehemently protests his innocence against the accusations of his friends. He's essentially arguing that he's lived a righteous and blameless life. Let's break down the verse:
"If my step has turned out of the way..." This refers to straying from the path of righteousness, moral integrity, and ethical conduct. It implies that Job hasn't intentionally deviated from what's right and just in his actions and behavior. It's a declaration that he hasn't deliberately done wrong or lived an immoral life. He is affirming that his behavior has been consistently aligned with what is considered morally upright.
"...if my heart walked after my eyes..." This points to succumbing to temptation and lust. It suggests that Job hasn't allowed his desires and lusts, ignited by what he sees (his "eyes"), to control his actions and choices. In other words, he hasn't allowed his heart to be led astray by visual temptations, like coveting something or someone he shouldn't. It's an assertion of his self-control and fidelity to moral principles.
"...if any defilement has stuck to my hands..." This is a more literal reference to being involved in dishonest or impure actions. "Defilement" here suggests wrongdoing, particularly related to material gain. Job is claiming that his actions haven't been stained by bribery, corruption, violence, or any other form of unethical behavior. It emphasizes the integrity and purity of his actions, particularly in his dealings with others.
In essence, Job is saying:
"If I have ever strayed from the path of righteousness, if I have allowed my desires to control me, or if I have been involved in any impure or dishonest deeds, then I deserve to be punished."
It's a powerful statement of innocence, and sets the stage for the penalties he lays out in the following verses if he is proven guilty. It shows his deep belief in his own integrity and serves as a strong counterpoint to the accusations leveled against him.