In my annual Bible reading, I am once again reading through Job. Job 31 is especially intriguing. It is Job's "final defense" before his four friends. Up to now three of his friends have kept up a drumbeat of: "Job, your suffering means that you are guilty. Admit it, confess, and you will be well again." Job is not so sure--he insist on his "integrity" (a word you read a lot in Job's speeches).
So in Job 31 he elaborates--in summary. Here are the "big sins" of Job's day--and Job insists he is not guilty of these, at least not flagrantly. But what are those "big sins"? Here are some of them:
1. Sexual sin (vv. 1, 9)
2. Deceit, especially in business dealings (vv. 5-6)
3. Mistreating servants (vv. 13-15)
4. Refusing to help the poor, fatherless, widow, sojourner (vv. 16-23; 32)
5. Trust in wealth, or other idols (sun and moon, etc.) (vv. 24-28)
6. Rejoicing at the ruin of enemies (vv. 29-31)
7. Fear of man--not speaking out for fear of what others would think of him (vv. 33-34)
Remember, Job's story took place before the giving of the Ten Commandments at Sinai. Here is the "law written on the heart" (Rom. 2:15). God give each one grace to hear and reflect, and repent.
