Job 31:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Esau, due to his recklessness and unquenchable desires, took many wives; conversely, Job made adherence to virtue the guiding principle of his life and succeeded to such a degree that he was not swayed by the allure of others. He was so distanced from immoral acts that he entirely disregarded even those women who were not yet free or betrothed. To be more explicit: he was so far removed from any intentions against the sanctity of others' marriages that he did not even cast an inappropriate glance at an unmarried woman, where there was no threat.

In other words, lust can defile someone by breaching the sacred commandments, while the sin of adultery has its own defilement. Although both sins carry guilt before God, fornication is distinct from adultery, as articulated by the great preacher who states that neither fornicators, idolaters, nor adulterers will inherit the kingdom of heaven 1 Cor. 6:9. By delineating these sins, he emphasizes their separation.

In declaring, "If my heart has been tainted by a woman," the blessed Job indicates that he did not even entertain thoughts associated with the shame of fornication. Furthermore, when he adds, "or if I conspired at my neighbor's door," he plainly suggests that he was also free from the guilt of adultery. Some might question what is unique about a holy man's declaration of having steered clear of both adultery and fornication. However, we underestimate the significance of this when we consider the context of his virtuous accomplishments. He had not yet embraced a higher form of restraint beyond mere physical discipline, a restraint revealed through grace that addresses not only bodily corruption but also corruption of the heart. At that time, there were few who had reached the ideal of chastity and temperance, unlike the examples of purity we have today. Thus, Job followed standards of virtue that were not widely recognized or received in his day. Even today, many continue to sin against God's commandments regarding chastity. The gravity of such offenses is evident, especially after having received divine commandments that are burdensome, highlighting the significance of Job's achievement in maintaining temperance against those stringent laws. If he ever faltered, he beseeches that any sins be turned into punishment for him, stating:

His home was a welcoming place for all travelers (30-32). Job felt so justified that he could confidently stand before God's judgment (31-37) and was untroubled by the thought of incurring the curse that had come upon Adam due to his transgression (38-40). Through Job’s conduct and qualities, we observe not only the righteousness typical of Old Testament figures but also the noble virtues that exemplify New Testament believers. These discourses, particularly the final one, present a beautiful encapsulation of Job’s life as expressed by him. We see him as a family man, a judge, and a leader; his interactions with peers and those beneath him, as well as his generosity towards the less fortunate illuminate both his public deeds and private intentions. His life’s narrative is laid bare: the joy of his past, the sorrow of his present, and his hopes for the future. This portrayal embodies the entirety of Job, making it an appropriate conclusion to his defense against his friends and his assertions of righteousness. Notably, the conclusion of Job’s statements emphasizes both the significance of his speech and the book of Job itself.