That I may carry it on my shoulder, and put it about me as a crown?
אִם־לֹ֣א עַל־שִׁ֭כְמִי אֶשָּׂאֶ֑נּוּ אֶֽעֶנְדֶ֖נּוּ עֲטָר֣וֹת לִֽי׃
4 Church Fathers comment on this verse
I have annulled every unjust debt (Isaiah 58:6, LXX). I have not taken pride in my actions, but I have removed the burden of these receipts, which suggests that some individuals may take delight in the misfortunes of others. I have not simply returned them; I have preemptively eradicated them by tearing them apart. Thus, I declare that I have nullified every unjust receipt.
The act of generosity is exemplified when, possessing a receipt for a debt, you choose to forgive it without demanding any payment in return, as demonstrated by the example of St. Job. For it is said, "He who has something does not borrow, and he who lacks resources cannot repay." If you choose not to pursue the repayment yourself, why allow a receipt to fall into the hands of avaricious heirs, when you can cancel the debt without incurring any financial loss, thereby gaining commendation for your charitable spirit?
That I may carry it on my shoulders, and lay it round about me, as a crown Job 31:36. For to carry the book on my shoulders signifies the practical application of the preaching contained in the Scriptures. We must reflect meticulously on how the idea of carrying it on my shoulders is presented first, followed by the act of placing it around me as a crown. This is because the commandments found in the Holy Revelation, when faithfully practiced, will ultimately serve as a crown of triumph in the eternal reward.
But why does the blessed Job inquire about ‘the book’ that ‘shall be written by the Judge,’ given that he lived before the advent of the New Testament? As has frequently been noted, he speaks on behalf of the elect, personifying their voice, and requests what he foresaw would benefit them in every way. Guided by the Spirit, he possessed this book, having received it through the grace of Inspiration, so that he might study it through the virtue of his life and declare it as he anticipated its significance.
Furthermore, it should be understood that when we contemplate the teachings of Holy Revelation and redirect our thoughts away from the allure of earthly life, we begin to awaken a kind of spiritual movement within our hearts toward higher realities. However, it is essential to recognize that one who renounces earthly matters does not instantly ascend to heavenly things. To attain spiritual perfection, the soul must continually strive toward those heights, progressing in stages as if climbing a ladder. Therefore, in this context, Job properly concludes:
In attempting to convince his friends of his undeserved suffering, Job illustrates that his life was characterized not just by acts of kindness and outward devotion, but also by his inner righteousness (31: 1-4). He asserts that deceitfulness was foreign to him (5-8) and that impure desires for another man's wife did not corrupt his thoughts (9-12). He regarded his subordinates as fellow beings (13-15). While assisting the poor and distressed, Job never saw himself as a person of authority who could wrong others (16-23); he placed no trust in his riches (24-25) and did not engage in secret sins (26-28), nor did he take pleasure in the misfortunes of his adversaries (29-30). His home was welcoming to all travelers (30-32).
Job felt himself so innocent that he could confidently present himself before the judgment of the Almighty (31-37) and had no fear of receiving the same curse that fell upon Adam due to his transgression (38-40). Consequently, in Job’s character and deeds, one can observe not only the righteousness expected of an Old Testament believer, but also the noble virtues that represent the true essence of New Testament followers. Notably, in these statements, particularly the final one, Job provides a comprehensive overview of his entire life, articulated by himself. We see him depicted as a family man, a judge, and a ruler; we learn about his interactions with peers and inferiors, and with the downtrodden—insights into both his visible actions and his innermost intentions. The entirety of his existence is revealed: his previous joys, current sorrows, and hopeful aspirations for the future. This encapsulation of Job's life serves as a fitting conclusion to his defense against his friends and his declarations of innocence. Significantly, the ending of Job's discourse marks a pivotal moment in the text.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS