Job 22:6(v19)For you have taken pledges from your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing.
Deuteronomy 24:13(v20)You shall surely restore to him the pledge when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his garment and bless you. It shall be…
Job 22:9(v21)You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
Job 29:12(v21)Because I delivered the poor who cried, and the fatherless also, who had no one to help him,
1 John 3:18(v19)My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.
Show all 28 cross-references
Joshua 22:22-23(v22)“The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, the Mighty One, God, Yahweh, he knows; and Israel shall know: if it was in rebellion, or if in trespass…
2 Chronicles 28:15(v19)The men who have been mentioned by name rose up and took the captives, and with the plunder clothed all who were naked among them, dressed…
Job 6:27(v21)Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.
Job 24:4(v19)They turn the needy out of the way. The poor of the earth all hide themselves.
Job 24:9(v21)There are those who pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor,
Job 29:11(v20)For when the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it commended me:
Job 29:13(v19)the blessing of him who was ready to perish came on me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.
Job 31:10(v22)then let my wife grind for another, and let others sleep with her.
Job 31:40(v22)let briers grow instead of wheat, and stinkweed instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended.
Job 38:15(v22)From the wicked, their light is withheld. The high arm is broken.
Psalms 7:4-5(v22)if I have rewarded evil to him who was at peace with me (yes, I have delivered him who without cause was my adversary), let the enemy…
Psalms 137:6(v22)Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you, if I don’t prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.
Proverbs 23:10-11(v21)Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong. He will plead their…
Isaiah 58:7(v19)Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that…
Jeremiah 5:28(v21)They have grown fat. They shine; yes, they excel in deeds of wickedness. They don’t plead the cause, the cause of the fatherless, that they…
Ezekiel 22:7(v21)In you have they treated father and mother with contempt. Among you they have oppressed the foreigner. In you they have wronged the…
Micah 2:1-2(v21)Woe to those who devise iniquity and work evil on their beds! When the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of…
Micah 7:3(v21)Their hands are on that which is evil to do it diligently. The ruler and judge ask for a bribe; and the powerful man dictates the evil…
Matthew 25:36(v19)I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’
Matthew 25:43(v19)I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
Luke 3:11(v19)He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.”
Acts 9:39(v19)Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing…
James 2:16(v19)and one of you tells them, “Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;” yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it?
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (17 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Geneva Bible translators1599 · Public DomainOn vv21–22To oppress him and to do him injury.
To oppress him and to do him injury.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp1656 · Public DomainOn vv19–22Job 31:19 If I have seen any perish for…
Job 31:19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
Ver. 19. If I have seen any perish for want of clothing] Job was ad omnem humanitatem effectus atque assuefactus. This liberal man devised liberal things; and as he dealt his bread to the hungry, so when he saw the naked he covered him; he hid not himself from his own flesh, Isa 58:7. Giles, of Brussels, and Mr Wiseheart, the Scot, are famous among the martyrs for their charity in this kind. And so is Mr Fox, the martyrologer, of whom it is reported, that as he gave away his horse at one time to a poor man when he had no money to give him; so at another, having bestowed his wife’s money in a petticoat, and meeting by the way home with a poor woman that wanted clothing, he freely gave it to her; telling his wife that he had sent it to heaven before her. The poor man’s belly is surely the best cupboard, and his back the best wardrobe; Ubi non pereunt, sed parturiunt, where they rot not, as those moth eaten ones in St James, Jas 5:2, but remain for ever. Great Alexander believed this far better than most among us, for when he had given away all almost, and his friends asked him, where it was? he pointed to the poor and said, In scriniis, in my chests. And when he was further asked, what he kept for himself.; he answered, Spem maiorum et meliorum, The hope of greater and better things. And another of his name, viz. Pope Alexander V, was so liberal to the poor, that he left nothing to himself; so that he would merrily say, that he was a rich bishop, a poor cardinal, and a beggarly pope, Wποποι. It was wont to be said,
Read full note →
Pauperibus sun dat gratis, nec munera curat
Curia Papalis; quod modo percipimus.
But this distich must be read backwards, saith mine author (Heidfeld.), thus, Percipimus modo quod Papalis, &c. This Pope Alexander then was a rare bird at Rome.
Or any poor without covering] Whether he craved it of me or not, if I did but see it, the poor creature was sure of it. The liberal man helps the poor and needy, Psa 41:1. Praeoccupat vocem petituri, so Augustine expounds that text in Psa 103:1-22 He stays not till he is asked a good turn, but ministereth to the uses, not only to the necessities, of the saints, as the apostle’s word is in the original, Rom 12:13, ταις χρειαις. So did Dr Taylor, martyr, when he visited the almshouse in his parish once a fortnight to see what they lacked, and to supply them. And so did Mr Fox, when, unasked, he gave the poor woman the petticoat, as above said.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole1685 · Public DomainOn vv19–22When it was in my power to clothe and…
When it was in my power to clothe and arm them against cold and nakedness.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill1763 · Public DomainOn vv19–22If his loins have not blessed me,.... Which were…
If his loins have not blessed me,.... Which were girded and covered with garments he gave him; which, as often as he put on and girded his loins with, put him in mind of his generous benefactor, and this put him upon sending up an ejaculatory wish to heaven, that all happiness and blessedness might attend him, who had so comfortably clothed him; see Job 29:13;
and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; not with a fleece of wool as taken off the back of the sheep, or with a sheep's skin, having the wool on it, but with it, as made up into cloth; with a woollen garment, which was a kind of clothing that very early obtained, and is what is warm and comfortable, see Deu 22:11. Job clothed the naked, not with gay apparel, which was not necessary, but with decent and useful raiment, and not with the fleece of other men's sheep, but with the fleece of his own sheep, or with cloth made of the wool of his own flock, giving what was his own and not others; which always should be observed in acts of charity; see Sa2 12:4. Thus Christ, the antitype of Job, feeds the poor and the fatherless whom he finds, though he does not leave them so; it is at his own table, and with his own bread, with provisions of his own making; and clothes them with the robe of his righteousness, and garments of salvation, which is a clothing and a covering to them, and secures them from perishing, and causes joy and gladness in them, Isa 61:10.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley1765 · Public DomainOn vv19, 21Perish - When it was in my power to…
Perish - When it was in my power to help them.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke1810 · Public DomainOn vv20–22Verse 20. If his loins have not blessed me]…
Verse 20. If his loins have not blessed me] This is a very delicate touch: the part that was cold and shivering is now covered with warm woollen. It feels the comfort; and by a fine prosopopoeia, is represented as blessing him who furnished the clothing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson1811 · Public DomainOn v19Job 31:19-22. If I have seen any perish —…
Job 31:19-22. If I have seen any perish — When it was in my power to help them. If his loins have not blessed me — That is, if my covering his loins hath not given him occasion to bless me, and to pray to God to bless me; the loins being put for the whole body. If he were not warmed, &c. — With clothing made of my wool. If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless — An expression signifying an act of power and hostility. If I have ever beaten or ill used him; if I have brought him to the judgment- seat, that, under the colour of justice, I might take away his right, or any ways to threaten, injure, or crush him; when I saw my help in the gate — When I saw myself superior in the gate, Houbigant. That is, superior in authority. When I understood my advantage against him, and that I could influence the judges to do what I pleased. Then let mine arm fall, &c. — I am contented that that arm which hath been so wickedly employed, may either rot off or fall out of joint, and so be useless and burdensome to me.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes1834 · Public DomainOn vv19–22If I have seen any perish ... - He…
If I have seen any perish ... - He turns to another virtue of the same general class - that of providing for the poor. The meaning is clear, that he had always assisted the poor and needy.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary1859 · Public DomainOn vv20–22Blessed me for clothing. (Menochius)
Blessed me for clothing. (Menochius)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown1871 · Public DomainOn vv19–22perish--that is, ready to perish (Job 29:13).
perish--that is, ready to perish (Job 29:13).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon1874 · Public DomainOn vv20–2220. The loins, previously naked, are personified and poetically…
20. The loins, previously naked, are personified and poetically described as invoking upon him every blessing.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges1878 · Public DomainOn vv19, 21, 2219. seen any perish] Rather, perishing, or ready to…
19. seen any perish] Rather, perishing, or ready to perish, ch. Job_29:13.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers1878 · Public DomainOn v19(19) If I have seen any perish for want…
(19) If I have seen any perish for want of.—Or, any wanderer without.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary1880 · Public DomainOn vv19–22If I have seen any perish for want of…
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing. (Job_22:6, where Eliphaz taxes Job with so acting; and, on the duty of clothing the naked, see Isa_58:7 Eze_18:7, 16 Mat_25:36) Or any poor without covering. A pleonastic parallelism.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator1887 · Public DomainOn v19If I have seen any perish for want of…
Job_31:19
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing.
Read full note →
A good mans righteousness
These words do in general set forth the practice of a good man in the acts of mercy and righteousness, which do, above all others, declare him a follower of our blessed Lord. But chiefly they do imply something concerning the nature, manner, and object of those acts. In vulgar practice indeed men care not much for any acquaintance with the needy, and are all for doing kindnesses to them whose fortunes do not require it, or who can return the same again; but the good mans behaviour is like that of Job. If we care not to approve ourselves to God, by doing all the good we can to our brethren, we are so far sunk into the miserable state of hell. To prevent this misery we must be watchful over our minds, that they do not fall into a covetous humour, which is a stain to the soul, that can hardly be got out. Covetousness ever presses upon the sinner, and leaves no room for a sober or a relenting thought. Mankind seem to be distinguished into higher and lower ranks by Divine wisdom and providence, in order to the exercise of an universal charity. Such a charity as sweetens mens spirits, and from being rough and sour, makes them kind and affable to the meanest person, ready to oblige everyone with a gentle and humble compliance. Such a charity as envies no man, but is pleased at the prosperity of others, is made better by their health, and rejoices at seeing them cheerful. Such a charity as never domineers, but scorns that usual insolence which is the spring of many disorders, and of much contempt of the poor. Such a charity as doth never demean itself haughtily or with reproach in words or gestures, but calmly debates all matters, that it may not behave itself unseemly. In fine, such a charity as thinks nothing too great to undertake, or too hard to undergo, for the good of mankind. Now if this kind of charity did but get ground in the world, it would very much better the condition and the manners of it. A thorough reformation must be expected only from them who make others better, by their counsel, and by their example. The best arguments for our giving of alms are, that it is the only course we can take.
1. To be like our blessed Saviour.
2. To do services acceptable to God.
3. To save our souls forever. Wherefore, if ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John Hartcliffe, B. D.)
The poor mans plea heeded
Some one expressed surprise to Eveillon, Canon and Archdeacon of Angers, that none of his rooms were carpeted. He answered, When I enter my house in wintertime the floors do not tell me that they are cold; but the poor, who are trembling at my gate, tell me they want clothes.
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0On vv19, 22General Information:
General Information:
Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he knows they are not true. (See: Hypothetical Situations)
Read full note →
if his heart has not blessed me
The phrase "his heart" represents the poor man who needs clothing. AT: "if he has not blessed me" (See: Synecdoche)
because he has not been warmed with the wool of my sheep
Here "the wool of my sheep" represents blankets or clothing made from the wool of Job's sheep. This can be stated in active form. AT: "because the wool of my sheep has not warmed him" or "because I have not given him clothing made from the wool of my sheep" (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)
if I have lifted up my hand against fatherless people
Lifting up the hand against someone represents threatening to harm him. AT: "if I have threatened to harm fatherless people" (See: Metonymy)
I saw my support in the city gate
Here "saw" is a metaphor for "knew," "support" is a metaphor for "approval," and "the city gate" is a metonym for the leaders who sit at the city gate. AT: "I knew that the leaders at the city gate would approve of me" (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)
in the city gate
This is where the important men of the city would gather to make decisions.
then bring charges against me
This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job's statement in this long sentence.
GEBible — Godless Engineer's Bible App
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv21–22 To oppress him and to do him injury.
To oppress him and to do him injury.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv19–22 Job 31:19 If I have seen any perish for…
Job 31:19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
Ver. 19. If I have seen any perish for want of clothing] Job was ad omnem humanitatem effectus atque assuefactus. This liberal man devised liberal things; and as he dealt his bread to the hungry, so when he saw the naked he covered him; he hid not himself from his own flesh, Isa 58:7. Giles, of Brussels, and Mr Wiseheart, the Scot, are famous among the martyrs for their charity in this kind. And so is Mr Fox, the martyrologer, of whom it is reported, that as he gave away his horse at one time to a poor man when he had no money to give him; so at another, having bestowed his wife’s money in a petticoat, and meeting by the way home with a poor woman that wanted clothing, he freely gave it to her; telling his wife that he had sent it to heaven before her. The poor man’s belly is surely the best cupboard, and his back the best wardrobe; Ubi non pereunt, sed parturiunt, where they rot not, as those moth eaten ones in St James, Jas 5:2, but remain for ever. Great Alexander believed this far better than most among us, for when he had given away all almost, and his friends asked him, where it was? he pointed to the poor and said, In scriniis, in my chests. And when he was further asked, what he kept for himself.; he answered, Spem maiorum et meliorum, The hope of greater and better things. And another of his name, viz. Pope Alexander V, was so liberal to the poor, that he left nothing to himself; so that he would merrily say, that he was a rich bishop, a poor cardinal, and a beggarly pope, Wποποι. It was wont to be said,
Read full note →
Pauperibus sun dat gratis, nec munera curat
Curia Papalis; quod modo percipimus.
But this distich must be read backwards, saith mine author (Heidfeld.), thus, Percipimus modo quod Papalis, &c. This Pope Alexander then was a rare bird at Rome.
Or any poor without covering] Whether he craved it of me or not, if I did but see it, the poor creature was sure of it. The liberal man helps the poor and needy, Psa 41:1. Praeoccupat vocem petituri, so Augustine expounds that text in Psa 103:1-22 He stays not till he is asked a good turn, but ministereth to the uses, not only to the necessities, of the saints, as the apostle’s word is in the original, Rom 12:13, ταις χρειαις. So did Dr Taylor, martyr, when he visited the almshouse in his parish once a fortnight to see what they lacked, and to supply them. And so did Mr Fox, when, unasked, he gave the poor woman the petticoat, as above said.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv19–22 When it was in my power to clothe and…
When it was in my power to clothe and arm them against cold and nakedness.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv19–22 If his loins have not blessed me,.... Which were…
If his loins have not blessed me,.... Which were girded and covered with garments he gave him; which, as often as he put on and girded his loins with, put him in mind of his generous benefactor, and this put him upon sending up an ejaculatory wish to heaven, that all happiness and blessedness might attend him, who had so comfortably clothed him; see Job 29:13;
and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; not with a fleece of wool as taken off the back of the sheep, or with a sheep's skin, having the wool on it, but with it, as made up into cloth; with a woollen garment, which was a kind of clothing that very early obtained, and is what is warm and comfortable, see Deu 22:11. Job clothed the naked, not with gay apparel, which was not necessary, but with decent and useful raiment, and not with the fleece of other men's sheep, but with the fleece of his own sheep, or with cloth made of the wool of his own flock, giving what was his own and not others; which always should be observed in acts of charity; see Sa2 12:4. Thus Christ, the antitype of Job, feeds the poor and the fatherless whom he finds, though he does not leave them so; it is at his own table, and with his own bread, with provisions of his own making; and clothes them with the robe of his righteousness, and garments of salvation, which is a clothing and a covering to them, and secures them from perishing, and causes joy and gladness in them, Isa 61:10.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv19, 21 Perish - When it was in my power to…
Perish - When it was in my power to help them.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv20–22 Verse 20. If his loins have not blessed me]…
Verse 20. If his loins have not blessed me] This is a very delicate touch: the part that was cold and shivering is now covered with warm woollen. It feels the comfort; and by a fine prosopopoeia, is represented as blessing him who furnished the clothing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v19 Job 31:19-22. If I have seen any perish —…
Job 31:19-22. If I have seen any perish — When it was in my power to help them. If his loins have not blessed me — That is, if my covering his loins hath not given him occasion to bless me, and to pray to God to bless me; the loins being put for the whole body. If he were not warmed, &c. — With clothing made of my wool. If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless — An expression signifying an act of power and hostility. If I have ever beaten or ill used him; if I have brought him to the judgment- seat, that, under the colour of justice, I might take away his right, or any ways to threaten, injure, or crush him; when I saw my help in the gate — When I saw myself superior in the gate, Houbigant. That is, superior in authority. When I understood my advantage against him, and that I could influence the judges to do what I pleased. Then let mine arm fall, &c. — I am contented that that arm which hath been so wickedly employed, may either rot off or fall out of joint, and so be useless and burdensome to me.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv19–22 If I have seen any perish ... - He…
If I have seen any perish ... - He turns to another virtue of the same general class - that of providing for the poor. The meaning is clear, that he had always assisted the poor and needy.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv20–22 Blessed me for clothing. (Menochius)
Blessed me for clothing. (Menochius)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv19–22 perish--that is, ready to perish (Job 29:13).
perish--that is, ready to perish (Job 29:13).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv20–22 20. The loins, previously naked, are personified and poetically…
20. The loins, previously naked, are personified and poetically described as invoking upon him every blessing.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv19, 21, 22 19. seen any perish] Rather, perishing, or ready to…
19. seen any perish] Rather, perishing, or ready to perish, ch. Job_29:13.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On v19 (19) If I have seen any perish for want…
(19) If I have seen any perish for want of.—Or, any wanderer without.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv19–22 If I have seen any perish for want of…
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing. (Job_22:6, where Eliphaz taxes Job with so acting; and, on the duty of clothing the naked, see Isa_58:7 Eze_18:7, 16 Mat_25:36) Or any poor without covering. A pleonastic parallelism.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v19 If I have seen any perish for want of…
Job_31:19
If I have seen any perish for want of clothing.
Read full note →
A good mans righteousness
These words do in general set forth the practice of a good man in the acts of mercy and righteousness, which do, above all others, declare him a follower of our blessed Lord. But chiefly they do imply something concerning the nature, manner, and object of those acts. In vulgar practice indeed men care not much for any acquaintance with the needy, and are all for doing kindnesses to them whose fortunes do not require it, or who can return the same again; but the good mans behaviour is like that of Job. If we care not to approve ourselves to God, by doing all the good we can to our brethren, we are so far sunk into the miserable state of hell. To prevent this misery we must be watchful over our minds, that they do not fall into a covetous humour, which is a stain to the soul, that can hardly be got out. Covetousness ever presses upon the sinner, and leaves no room for a sober or a relenting thought. Mankind seem to be distinguished into higher and lower ranks by Divine wisdom and providence, in order to the exercise of an universal charity. Such a charity as sweetens mens spirits, and from being rough and sour, makes them kind and affable to the meanest person, ready to oblige everyone with a gentle and humble compliance. Such a charity as envies no man, but is pleased at the prosperity of others, is made better by their health, and rejoices at seeing them cheerful. Such a charity as never domineers, but scorns that usual insolence which is the spring of many disorders, and of much contempt of the poor. Such a charity as doth never demean itself haughtily or with reproach in words or gestures, but calmly debates all matters, that it may not behave itself unseemly. In fine, such a charity as thinks nothing too great to undertake, or too hard to undergo, for the good of mankind. Now if this kind of charity did but get ground in the world, it would very much better the condition and the manners of it. A thorough reformation must be expected only from them who make others better, by their counsel, and by their example. The best arguments for our giving of alms are, that it is the only course we can take.
1. To be like our blessed Saviour.
2. To do services acceptable to God.
3. To save our souls forever. Wherefore, if ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John Hartcliffe, B. D.)
The poor mans plea heeded
Some one expressed surprise to Eveillon, Canon and Archdeacon of Angers, that none of his rooms were carpeted. He answered, When I enter my house in wintertime the floors do not tell me that they are cold; but the poor, who are trembling at my gate, tell me they want clothes.
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv19, 22 General Information:
General Information:
Job continues describing situations in which he would deserve God's punishment, but he knows they are not true. (See: Hypothetical Situations)
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if his heart has not blessed me
The phrase "his heart" represents the poor man who needs clothing. AT: "if he has not blessed me" (See: Synecdoche)
because he has not been warmed with the wool of my sheep
Here "the wool of my sheep" represents blankets or clothing made from the wool of Job's sheep. This can be stated in active form. AT: "because the wool of my sheep has not warmed him" or "because I have not given him clothing made from the wool of my sheep" (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)
if I have lifted up my hand against fatherless people
Lifting up the hand against someone represents threatening to harm him. AT: "if I have threatened to harm fatherless people" (See: Metonymy)
I saw my support in the city gate
Here "saw" is a metaphor for "knew," "support" is a metaphor for "approval," and "the city gate" is a metonym for the leaders who sit at the city gate. AT: "I knew that the leaders at the city gate would approve of me" (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)
in the city gate
This is where the important men of the city would gather to make decisions.
then bring charges against me
This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job's statement in this long sentence.
translationWords
perish
bless
ewe
hand
gate
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv21–22 31:21 knowing the judges would take my side: Job…
31:21 knowing the judges would take my side: Job was respected and regarded as a member of the elite class (29:7-10).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.