Albert Barnes Commentary Job 31:7

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 31:7

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Job 31:7

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"If my step hath turned out of the way, And my heart walked after mine eyes, And if any spot hath cleaved to my hands:" — Job 31:7 (ASV)

If my step hath turned out of the way - The path in which I ought to walk - the path of virtue.

And mine heart walked after mine eyes - That is, if I have coveted what my eyes have beheld, or if I have been determined by the appearance of things rather than by what is right, I consent to bear the appropriate punishment.

And if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands - To have clean hands is emblematic of innocence (Job 17:9; Psalms 24:4); compare Matthew 27:24. The word "blot" here means stain, blemish (Daniel 1:4). The idea is that his hands were pure and that he had not been guilty of any act of fraud or violence in depriving others of their property.