Job 31:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, it follows that in the examination of our inner selves, if my eye has sought after my heart, as mentioned in Job 31:7, I reflect on the importance of controlling our inner desires, which shapes our outward actions. Restraining the heart from longing for forbidden things also requires the eyes to be kept in check, refusing to gaze upon temptation.

Temptations often reach us through sight, and internal desires can lead the eye to contemplate what it should avoid. Frequently, we may perceive an object innocently, yet a single glance can ignite a deadly passion. As previously noted, David did not initially set out to covet Uriah's wife; it was his careless look that sparked his desire. Consequently, one who is negligent with their outward vision is also justly blinded within. In many instances, unchecked desires might seduce the mind and demand the body's senses to engage, compelling the eyes to pursue forbidden pleasures, thus opening a path to spiritual blindness.

Holy individuals, aware of being overcome by wrongful thoughts, actively guard their eyes from lingering on enticing forms, ensuring that by averting their gaze, they do not indulge in sinful imaginings. Should one fail to protect themselves from what tempts them, sinful thoughts will invariably transform into actions. This is why it is stated: "And if the unclean thing fasten itself upon my hands" (Job 31:7).

The righteous person understands well the tendency of impure thoughts to arise from visual stimuli. Earlier, they affirmed, "I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman." Recognizing that some thoughts sneak into the mind with the eyes' assistance, they declare: “If my eye has followed my heart.” This implies that they neither sought to gaze upon objects of desire nor pursued the things they coveted. They commit, proclaiming, "If my eye has followed my heart." Even if their thoughts were at times corrupted, their eyes remained under strict discipline, unyielding to forbidden allurements.

We should examine our own hearts in light of these reflections and consider the character of this individual by deeply assessing our internal struggles. If he may have encountered illicit desires, he was quick to vanquish them within himself by the power of righteousness, never allowing those thoughts to manifest in actions. Therefore, as he reiterates, "And if the unclean thing shall cleave to my hands" (Job 31:7). Sin only becomes tangible through action when it is not restrained by discipline after taking root in thought. Sin cannot be allowed to manifest outwardly if it is rejected internally. Yet, if we fail to resist temptation in our hearts, it only grows stronger, eventually leading to outward deeds, making it far more difficult to overcome, as it takes hold of both body and mind.

In setting forth these principles, the holy man binds himself to accountability, as if by a curse, stating:

Job viewed himself as so blameless that he could confidently stand before the Almighty in judgment (31-37), without fearing the curse that had once befallen Adam due to his transgression (38-40). Thus, in Job's actions and characteristics, we discern not only the righteousness exemplified by Old Testament figures but also the elevated virtues that serve as the finest adornment for those of the New Testament. Notably, in these declarations, particularly the final one, we find a compelling summary of Job's entire life presented by him. He stands as a family patriarch, a judge, and a leader; we observe his conduct toward peers and subordinates, as well as the unfortunate—both his open deeds and innermost motives. The entirety of his life is laid bare: his past joy, present suffering, and future hopes. This depiction encapsulates Job thoroughly, making it fitting for him to conclude his defense against his friends and articulate his innocence. Conclusively, significant attention should be paid to the final statements made by Job, as recorded in the text.