Matthew Henry Commentary Job 31:16-23

"If I have withheld the poor from [their] desire, Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, Or have eaten my morsel alone, And the fatherless hath not eaten thereof (Nay, from my youth he grew up with me as with a father, And her have I guided from my mother`s womb); If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, Or that the needy had no covering; If his loins have not blessed me, And if he hath not been warmed with the fleece of my sheep; If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, Because I saw my help in the gate: Then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder-blade, And mine arm be broken from the bone. For calamity from God is a terror to me, And by reason of his majesty I can do nothing." — Job 31:16-23 (ASV)

Job's conscience gave testimony concerning his just and charitable behaviour toward the poor. He is most expansive on this topic, because in this matter he was particularly accused. He was tender toward all, and hurtful to none.

Notice the principles by which Job was restrained from being uncharitable and unmerciful. He stood in awe of the Lord, knowing the Lord would certainly be against him if he wronged the poor. Regard for worldly interests may restrain a man from actual crimes, but the grace of God alone can make him hate, dread, and shun sinful thoughts and desires.