Job 31:34

Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, [and] went not out of the door?

Did I fear {H6206} a great {H7227} multitude {H1995}, or did the contempt {H937} of families {H4940} terrify {H2865} me, that I kept silence {H1826}, and went not out {H3318} of the door {H6607}?

from fear of general gossip or dread of some family's contempt. keeping silent and not going outdoors

because I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside—

Because I feared the great multitude, And the contempt of families terrified me, So that I kept silence, and went not out of the door—

Commentary

Commentary on Job 31:34 (KJV)

In Job 31:34, we hear Job's impassioned defense of his integrity, a powerful declaration within his concluding soliloquy. This verse caps off a lengthy list of specific denials where Job has systematically refuted accusations of various sins, asserting his blamelessness before God and his friends.

Context

Job is at the climax of his argument, having endured profound suffering and the persistent, often accusatory, counsel of his three friends. Throughout chapter 31, he has sworn an oath of innocence against a wide range of moral failings—from lust and injustice to oppression of the poor and idolatry. Here, in verse 34, he addresses his public conduct, challenging the notion that he ever acted out of fear or shame. He implies that his life was lived openly and without reproach, not cowering from societal judgment or public opinion.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Integrity: Job's primary assertion is his deep-seated integrity. He claims his actions were not driven by fear of man but by a clear conscience and devotion to righteousness. This highlights his consistent character, even in the face of immense adversity.
  • Fear of Man vs. Fear of God: The verse sharply contrasts the fear of a "great multitude" or the "contempt of families" with an implied higher standard. Job's denial suggests that his moral compass was aligned with divine principles, not swayed by the shifting tides of public approval or disapproval. For a different perspective on the fear of man, consider Proverbs 29:25, which states that 'the fear of man bringeth a snare'.
  • Public Accountability and Transparency: Job's declaration that he "kept silence, [and] went not out of the door" due to fear underscores his belief in his own transparency. He was not one to hide his actions or intentions, implying he was always ready to face scrutiny because his conscience was clear.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "contempt of families" (Hebrew: bizzath mishpechoth) powerfully conveys the devastating social disgrace and ostracism that could befall an individual in ancient Near Eastern society. To be held in contempt by one's own community or by other families was a severe form of public shame, often worse than physical punishment. Job's denial of fearing this level of social condemnation emphasizes the profound depth of his conviction in his own righteousness and his willingness to stand firm, regardless of public opinion.

Practical Application

Job's bold statement in Job 31:34 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Live with Integrity: Strive to live a life that is not dictated by fear of what others think, but by what is right in the eyes of God. A clear conscience allows us to stand firm against societal pressures.
  • Courage in Conviction: There are times when standing for truth or righteousness means facing unpopularity or even "contempt." Job's example encourages us to have the courage of our convictions, not to hide or be silenced by the opinions of the "multitude."
  • Transparency: Just as Job claimed to be transparent, believers are called to live lives of openness and honesty, not hiding their actions or intentions. As Jesus said, "he that doeth truth cometh to the light".

Job's unwavering stance reminds us that true righteousness is not concerned with external validation but with internal purity and obedience to God.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 23:2 (5 votes)

    Thou shalt not follow a multitude to [do] evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest [judgment]:

  • Job 34:19 (2 votes)

    [How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

  • Exodus 32:27 (2 votes)

    And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, [and] go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.

  • Nehemiah 13:4 (2 votes)

    And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, [was] allied unto Tobiah:

  • Nehemiah 13:8 (2 votes)

    And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.

  • Proverbs 24:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;

  • Proverbs 24:12 (2 votes)

    If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? and shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works?