Job 31:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The act of ‘kissing’ signifies a gesture of grateful reverence; should he have engaged in such an act, he would consider it a significant sin and a denial of the Most High God.

Why does he, after demonstrating his wealth of virtuous qualities, now emphasize that he did not ‘worship the sun and moon’? It is crucial to note that after he affirms he did not depend on gold, nor find pleasure in great wealth, he moves on to loftier matters to teach us more about himself. He states, “If I looked at the sun when it shone, or at the moon as it marched in brightness, and rejoiced my heart secretly.” The term ‘looked’ here indicates ‘looking with desire.’ As the Psalmist observes, “If I had seen iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not hear” (Psalms 65:18). This iniquity could not have been uttered unless it was first pondered in the heart. One may perceive in one sense with intention, while in another with desire. Job communicates that he never looked to the sun in its shine or the moon in its march, signifying that he did not seek the external brightness of worldly life.

It is as if, having scorned his earthly wealth, he openly proclaims, ‘I must assert that I have not only failed to find joy in gold, but I do not seek joy in the very light of existence itself.’ For the saints, having renounced the pleasures of this life, turn their focus inward to the sweetness of divine light, distancing themselves from the allure of external brilliance, akin to emerging from darkness. They strive within to prevent themselves from succumbing to the enticing glimmers of outward light. If one carelessly admires visible light, the heart may become blind to the invisible light; when the soul is overly drawn to the external, it tends to drift away from internal truths. Thus, the wise in heart, recognizing this danger, consciously retreat inward through diligent self-discipline to be more attuned to the inner life, minimizing their engagement with the external world.

In this profound discipline, Job anchored himself deep within, avoiding the allurements of external desires, affirming that he has not yearned for the day of man, as you, O Lord, know (Jeremiah 17:16). The same sentiment that the prophet articulated regarding not desiring the day of man is echoed by Job, articulating that if he gazed upon the sun in its brilliance or the moon in its radiance, his heart could not delight therein because he held no desire for joy in those things he merely ‘saw.’

He viewed himself as blameless, capable of standing before the judgment of the Almighty (31-37), without fear of suffering the curse that had fallen upon Adam due to sin (38-40). Thus, in Job's conduct and qualities, we see not only the righteousness typical of the Old Testament’s faithful but also the noble traits that exemplify the best of the New Testament believers.

This section, particularly the concluding remarks, provides a profound reflection on the entirety of Job's life as articulated by Job himself. He presents himself as a family man, a judge, and a leader, showcasing his interactions with peers, those of lesser status, and the unfortunate—revealing both his outward actions and hidden motivations. We gain insight into the full spectrum of his existence: his past happiness, present sorrow, and future hopes. This encapsulates the essence of Job. It is fitting that this reflection serves as the culmination of his defense against his friends and as evidence of his innocence. One should take note of the significance of the closing statements made by Job, particularly highlighted in this segment of the book.