Job 31:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Would you like to learn about purity? “A covenant,” he declares, “I have made with my eyes, that I should not gaze upon a maiden” (Matthew 5:28). In this, he followed the command of Christ and lived out its truth.

Observe the extent of his commitment to all aspects of godliness. He trains his gaze to abide by the principles of holiness and cultivates all his faculties in the pursuit of truth, and behold, though born into a wayward lineage, he exhibited the highest devotion.

The esteemed Job was not only vigilant in maintaining self-control but also established strict rules for his eyes, forbidding them to gaze upon a maiden’s beauty, fearing that such allure might captivate his thoughts. It is astonishing to witness this man, who courageously battled the devil and repudiated all the schemes of the adversary, turn away from the gaze of a young woman. When confronted by the devil, he did not retreat, standing firm as a lion, yet at the sight of a maiden, he did not linger to admire her beauty, but departed without hesitation. He recognized that strength is required to confront demons, while victory in the realm of purity is achieved not through contact with maidens, but through a deliberate separation from them. If you wish to hear more of his virtues of chastity, listen to his own words: “I have made a covenant with my eyes, that I should not think of a maiden.” This is the reason his wife could not sway his steadfastness; he loved her as a husband should, with affection appropriate to their relationship but not in excess.

Therefore, a righteous person, who aims to receive from the Creator while maintaining a pure heart, ought to declare, “I have made a pact with my eyes not to entertain thoughts about a young woman.” What inheritance do I have from God above, and what portion from the Almighty in Heaven? It is as if he confesses openly that the Creator will not dwell within him if his thoughts dwell on base desires.

It is crucial to understand that encountering temptation is different from willingly consenting to it. A person may be confronted with an improper thought and choose to resist it, yet may falter when such thoughts take root and lead to desires. An impure thought does not taint the mind when it strikes; it only corrupts when it ensnares the mind with delight. As the esteemed apostle notes, "A temptation no other than human temptation has befallen you" (1 Cor. 10:13). This is a "human" temptation that often assails us without our consent, as unwelcome thoughts arise due to our inherently flawed nature. However, if we willingly succumb to the prompts of our corruptible flesh, it transforms into a devilish temptation. Therefore, he reminds us, "Let not sin reign in your mortal body" (Rom. 6:12); he does not warn us that sin will not exist within us, but rather that it must not dominate us. Given our corruptible nature, sin may indeed be present, but it must not hold sway over us.

It is essential to differentiate between being tempted to sin and actual sin itself. As long as we live, complete perfection eludes us, and the holy teaching aims to displace sin’s dominion from our hearts. Yet, improper desires may still sneak in, much like a thief, into our good thoughts; still, we must ensure they do not gain control over us. Thus, when the holy man says, "I have made a covenant with my eyes not to think upon a maiden," it should not imply that sinful thoughts never touch his mind but rather that he has never assented to them. He guards his soul, a divine treasure, against a direct adversary, asking, "What portion of God from above is in me, and what inheritance from the Almighty in Heaven?" Essentially, he states, "In my mortal flesh, I am indeed subject to decay; how can I serve the Creator if I do not safeguard my thoughts from consenting to sin?"

He viewed himself as so righteous that he could confidently confront the judgment of the Almighty (31-37), untroubled by the thought of incurring the curse that Adam faced due to his transgression (38-40). Therefore, Job’s deeds and qualities reveal not just the integrity expected of an Old Testament righteous person but also the noble attributes that exemplify the true character of New Testament believers. Importantly, within these discourses, especially the concluding remarks, we find a poignant encapsulation of Job’s entire life as narrated by him. We witness him in various roles: as a family man, a judge, and a leader; we learn about his interactions with peers, subordinates, and the less fortunate—his visible deeds and his innermost intentions. This rich portrayal presents the entirety of his existence: his past joys, current sorrows, and hopeful aspirations for what lies ahead. Here lies the essence of Job. Thus, it is fitting that he concludes his defense against his friends with this profound reflection on his innocence. Notably, the conclusion of Job’s statements stands out as a significant passage within the Book of Job.