Job 31:29Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Often, one may deceive themselves into thinking they love their enemies, while in reality, their actions reveal otherwise. The true nature of love becomes evident in the moments of both an enemy's success and their failure. For in this area, a person's heart may not fully comprehend its intentions. When observing someone they perceive as an enemy thriving or suffering, it provides a clear gauge of their disposition. If they take joy in the adversary's troubles while resenting their good fortune, it is evident they harbor animosity, as they do not wish well for someone they claim to love.

Moreover, it is important to recognize that there are times when the destruction of an enemy can bring joy without any loss of love, just as there are moments when witnessing their success can cause sorrow without the sin of envy. This occurs when the downfall of an enemy results in their own self-destruction, leading many to rise justly, or conversely, when their success poses a threat to the integrity of others. In these instances, our concerns should not be centered on a specific individual's fate but rather on their impact on a broader community. To preserve this understanding, we must diligently examine our own hearts to ensure we are not misled by a facade of compassion, which could serve to mask our own hatred. For if it were impossible to experience any joy at the demise of an enemy, the Psalmist would not have stated, The righteous shall rejoice when he sees vengeance upon the wicked—Psalms 57:11. It is crucial to differentiate between enduring the presence of the ungodly and contending with an adversary. Many who act as our enemies are not necessarily wicked, and some ungodly individuals may not pose a personal threat. Yet humans often perceive anyone they tolerate as deserving of disdain, as they fixate on even minor faults. Conversely, the wrongs committed by those we don't see as enemies appear less severe.

Additionally, it is essential to discern between an enemy who harms us and one who inflicts injury upon themselves and the world around them. If an individual is kind to others, their shortcomings towards us may reflect our own failings, and we should not take joy in their fall. Conversely, when an adversary self-destructs after causing great harm to many, we should rejoice that others have been liberated from their oppression, even if we do not celebrate their downfall as such.

It is imperative, then, as we reflect on the enemy's destruction, to consider both the sin of the wicked and the justice in the hand of the Lord. When God brings judgment against an evil person, we should feel both sorrow for their ruin and joy for the righteousness demonstrated by the Judge. Thus, both the punishment endured by the sinner should evoke our grief, while God's justice should also provide us with reason to rejoice. We must avoid turning others into enemies in their downfall or becoming ungrateful for God's rightful judgment. And, as Job exemplified in his rejection of hatred towards his foes, let him express his resolve: If I rejoiced at the destruction of my enemy or celebrated when calamity struck him. Job, who loved even his adversary, found a way to grow in compassion even amidst the trials his enemy justly faced. Nonetheless, there are those who, lacking authority, resort to cursing those they perceive as enemies. Such behavior exposes the malice they would unleash if they could act without consequence, as they incessantly curse those they cannot harm. Blessed Job stands apart from this sin, further demonstrating his integrity through his example.

His home was a refuge for all travelers (30-32); he perceived himself as so guiltless that he could confidently stand before the Almighty’s judgment (31-37) and had no fear of the curse that once came upon Adam due to sin (38-40). Thus, within Job's words and actions, we observe not only the righteousness characteristic of the Old Testament faithful but also the elevated virtues that represent the finest qualities in New Testament believers. Notably, these speeches, particularly the concluding ones, provide a beautiful summation of Job’s entire existence, articulated by Job himself. He stands forth as a family man, a judge, and a leader; through these reflections, we discover his treatment of peers and those beneath him, as well as his relationship with the unfortunate—laying bare both his open deeds and his innermost intentions. He presents the full scope of his life: the joy he once experienced, the sorrow he currently endures, and his hopes for the future. This encapsulates the essence of Job. It is thus fitting that Job concludes his defense against his friends and his testament to his innocence with these reflections. It is particularly noteworthy how he ends his discourse (in the Slavonic and Default Job's words, 32: 1), as it serves as a poignant part of the book of Job.