Job 31:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Although both Abraham and Job possessed great wealth, they did not experience any detriment from their affluence; rather, they were even more exalted. Why is this the case? It is because they chose to utilize their riches not for self-indulgence but for the benefit of others, providing assistance to the impoverished in their time of need and welcoming every traveler into their homes. Consider the words of Job: A traveler did not spend the night in the street; I opened my doors to the passer-by (Job 31:32). And have I ever turned away the destitute or brought sorrow to the eyes of the widow?

In his quest to demonstrate to his companions that he was undeserving of such affliction, Job reveals that his life was not only marked by acts of compassion and visible piety, but also by a profound inner virtue (31:1-4). He expresses that deception was foreign to him (5-8) and that his heart was untainted by the illicit desires related to another man's wife (9-12). He regarded his subordinates as fellow beings (13-15) and, in aiding the impoverished and disadvantaged, he never perceived himself as powerful enough to harm others (16-23). Job did not depend on his wealth (24-25), did not engage in hidden sins (26-28), nor did he take pleasure in the calamities of his foes (29-30); instead, he kept his home open to all who traveled (30-32).