Job 31:39Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

God forbid that I should live in luxury while they are in want, or enjoy good health without lending my aid to heal their wounds, or have ample provisions, clothing, and shelter while failing to share with them, or provide for them if I can, or seek comfort in my own refuge! We are called to either forsake everything for Christ, so that by taking up our cross we may genuinely follow Him (Matt. 16:24), and become unburdened, like eagles soaring toward the heavens, finding elevation in humility and richness in our destitution, thereby securing Christ as our greatest gain (Phil. 3:8); or to share our belongings with Christ, making the very act of possession holy as we use them rightly and allow the needy to partake in them. However, if I sow solely for my own benefit, I echo the words of Job and say, “Let me sow, and let others eat; instead of wheat let a wolfsbane grow, and instead of barley a goblet” (Job 31:8); may a scorching wind destroy and a tempest scatter my harvest, rendering all my endeavors futile. If I construct barns to amass treasures for and from mammon, let my soul be required of me this very night (Luke 12:18-20) to account for my unjust accumulation of wealth.

The door to a deeper meaning stands wide open as we explore the order of history upon the earth. It is as if the speaker urges us, ‘Recognizing the literal interpretation is ineffective, you should pursue a richer understanding without hesitation.’

Every individual who governs their household appropriately, or who is appointed for the common good to lead a faithful community by divine decree, essentially cultivates the land entrusted to him. Therefore, a leader must invest in the spiritual growth of those under his authority by sowing the seeds of his preaching into their hearts. The earth cries out against its steward when grievances arise regarding the actions of a leader, be it within a family or the Holy Church. It implies that the land protests when the minds of the governed voice their dissatisfaction over an unjust ruler; these furrows give rise to complaints.

The earth can yield sustenance even without effort, but when properly tended, it produces great abundance. Some individuals, like unfarmed land, may yield small fruits of goodness, while others who actively learn and apply sacred teachings are akin to soil that is plowed, receiving the seeds of wisdom in their softened hearts, producing the fruits of virtuous living in response to caring exhortation. Yet, often those in positions of authority act unjustly, bringing harm to those they are meant to uplift. When the unenlightened observe such a ruler, they become indignant but may not empathize with the suffering of their peers.

Conversely, those who have already been instructed and cultivated through true engagement with learning and moral practice empathize deeply with those who bear the burden of an unjust authority. The spiritually mature, aware of how to transcend their own sorrow, learn to mourn the physical afflictions of others. Thus, when a leader wrongs those beneath him, the earth cries out, and the furrows lament, as the outcry of injustice arises from the unenlightened, while dedicated individuals weep silently for his transgressions.

The lamentation of the land signifies that while many rightfully voice grievances against their ruler, those who have matured spiritually are driven to tears. The distinction between furrows and the broader term ‘earth’ is significant, as members of the Holy Church, who engage deeply in spiritual contemplation, yield a harvest that surpasses others in fruits of good works. Some leaders cherish the Church's blessings for their own support but fail to impart the teachings necessary for the growth of others.

This aligns with the example set by holy individuals, evident in the statement regarding consuming the earth's fruits without compensation, which reflects the practice of receiving the Church’s benefits while neglecting to share the gift of divine instruction with others. The Creator’s admonition resonates here, as it is said, “You should have given mine to the merchants, and then I, coming, would have received mine at a profit” (Matthew 25:27). Therefore, to ‘consume the fruits of the earth without compensation’ is to benefit from the Church’s provisions without returning the blessing of preaching back to the community. What can we, as shepherds, claim in this regard if we pursue selfish gains from the Church while neglecting the heralding of the Good News before the arrival of the Just Judge?

Behold how a holy man, engaged with many responsibilities, committed himself to preaching. He never ‘ate of the fruits of the earth without payment’ since he dutifully repaid through righteous teachings those from whom he received physical sustenance. Each person in authority owes a debt to the Almighty, whether overseeing many or few, to nurture those they lead through constant vigilance in issuing warnings and encouragement. By the design of our Creator, we are all interconnected in a structure of governance and submission, serving one another in our shared faith should lead us to mutual assistance.

Thus, as we strive to help one another, we aspire to join the true Lord in everlasting joy. Nevertheless, some forsake the duty of preaching, becoming resentful of others’ blessings, losing sight of their true meaning. In this regard, James rightly states, “But if ye have bitter envy among yourselves, and grumpiness in your hearts, this is not wisdom coming down from above, but earthly, soulish, demonic” (James 3:14-15).

Thus, when it is expressed, “If I have consumed the fruits thereof without payment,” it follows logically: “or caused the souls of the laborers to suffer.” The cultivators, being entrusted with nurturing the land, must commit themselves earnestly to the propagation of the Holy Church's teachings. To refrain from causing suffering to these laborers is to not envy their hard work; ecclesiastical leaders, while affirming their own authority to preach, must not begrudge others their rightful call to share the truth.

A pastor, motivated by genuine devotion to the Creator, seeks not personal acclaim but endeavors to uplift all. A faithful preacher dreams of having the truth he cannot voice articulated by others. Indeed, Jesus wished to quell the two prophesying in the camp by saying, “Art thou not jealous for me? If all the people of the Lord were prophets, then the Lord would send His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29) reflecting his desire for all to be prophets without envy. Blessed Job embodies these virtues, for failure to uphold them incurs the curse that follows.

His home was always open to any traveler in need (30-32). Job felt so blameless that he could confidently stand before the judgment of the Almighty (31-37) and did not fear the curse that had once fallen upon Adam for his transgression (38-40). Thus, Job's actions and qualities reflect not only the righteousness characteristic of the Old Testament faithful but also the elevated virtues that exemplify the New Testament believers. It is noteworthy that in these speeches, especially the concluding one, we find a remarkable overview of Job’s entire life presented by himself. We see him as a family man, a judge, and a leader; we learn about his interactions with peers and those beneath him, as well as his compassionate dealings with the unfortunate—revealing both his public conduct and his most private intentions. This portrayal encompasses the entirety of Job’s experiences: his past joys, present sorrows, and future hopes. Here lies Job in full view. With this profound self-portrait, it was fitting for Job to conclude his defense against his friends and his assertions of innocence. It is particularly significant that at the end of Job's discourse (as stated in the Slavonic and Default texts, 32:1), we have this noteworthy speech and a key part of the book of Job.