Job 31:5

KJV

If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;

KJV (with Strong's)

If I have walked {H1980} with vanity {H7723}, or if my foot {H7272} hath hasted {H2363} to deceit {H4820};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If I have gone along with falsehood, if my feet have hurried to deceit;

Berean Standard Bible

If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has rushed to deceit,

American Standard Version

If I have walked with falsehood, And my foot hath hasted to deceit

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 31:5 encapsulates a pivotal declaration within Job's final and most comprehensive defense of his integrity before God and his accusers. In this verse, Job adamantly denies having pursued a life characterized by emptiness, worthlessness, or deceit, affirming his commitment to truth and righteousness in his conduct and intentions. It is part of a larger oath of purgation where Job systematically lists various moral failings he claims to be innocent of, inviting divine scrutiny to validate his blamelessness in the face of immense suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 31 stands as the climactic conclusion to Job's impassioned monologues, specifically following his direct challenge to God in [Job 29](/job/29 "Job 29 - Job's Lament for Past Prosperity") and [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Present Suffering and Humiliation"). Having exhausted his arguments with his three friends and finding no satisfactory explanation for his suffering, Job turns to a final, detailed oath of innocence. This chapter is structured as a series of "if...then" statements, where Job asserts his blamelessness concerning a wide range of sins, from covetousness and lust to injustice and idolatry, implicitly inviting a curse upon himself if he speaks falsely. Verse 5, specifically, addresses his internal and external integrity regarding truthfulness and honesty, serving as a foundational claim for his overall moral uprightness. It is a powerful testament to his character, echoing the divine commendation of his integrity found earlier in [Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Commendation of Job").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern legal and social contexts, oaths of purgation were common. When accused of wrongdoing without concrete evidence, an individual might swear an oath, often invoking divine judgment, to clear their name. Such oaths were not taken lightly, as a false oath was considered a grave offense against the deity invoked and could result in severe consequences. Job's lengthy and detailed oath in chapter 31 is exceptional in its scope and depth, reflecting the gravity of the accusations against him and his profound desire for vindication. His appeal is not merely to human witnesses but directly to God, demonstrating his profound conviction of his own rectitude and his belief in God's ultimate justice. This practice underscores the high value placed on integrity and truthfulness within the societal and religious frameworks of the time, where a person's word and reputation were paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of **Integrity and Righteousness**, showcasing Job's unwavering commitment to living a life free from intentional falsehood or moral compromise, despite his suffering. His denial of walking with "vanity" or hastening to "deceit" highlights the theme of **Moral Purity and Conscience**, demonstrating a deep self-awareness and a commitment to aligning his actions with a strict moral code. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, as Job's oath is ultimately an appeal to God to judge his character and prove his innocence, thereby challenging the simplistic retribution theology of his friends. This pursuit of truth and avoidance of deceit is a recurring biblical theme, as seen in the wisdom literature's emphasis on honesty in [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _shav'_):** This term (שָׁוְא) carries a rich semantic range, encompassing emptiness, worthlessness, falsehood, futility, and even idolatry. It can refer to anything that lacks substance, is deceptive, or is ultimately unproductive. When Job denies walking with "vanity," he is asserting that his life has not been characterized by empty pursuits, false pretenses, or a reliance on anything that is not true or substantial. It implies a rejection of a life built on illusions or moral hollowness. This concept is famously echoed in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities, All is Vanity").
* **Deceit (Hebrew, _mirmah'_):** The Hebrew word (מִרְמָה) denotes treachery, fraud, guile, or intentional trickery. It implies a deliberate act of dishonesty or a cunning scheme to mislead others for personal gain or malice. Job's denial of "hasting to deceit" is a strong assertion that he has not been prone to, nor actively sought out, dishonest practices. This word emphasizes a conscious and deliberate avoidance of fraudulent behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I have walked with vanity":** This clause presents Job's first denial. "Walking" (הָלַךְ, _halakh_) is a common biblical metaphor for one's way of life, conduct, or moral journey. Job asserts that his entire life's direction and character have not been aligned with "vanity" – that is, with emptiness, falsehood, or worthlessness. He denies pursuing futile goals, living a life of pretense, or engaging in actions that are ultimately meaningless or deceptive in God's eyes. It speaks to the core orientation of his being and the values that have guided his existence.
* **"or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;":** This second clause reinforces the first, focusing on the active pursuit of dishonesty. "My foot" represents his actions and movements, while "hasted" (חוּשׁ, _chush_) implies eagerness, swiftness, or a quick inclination towards something. Job denies not only a general alignment with falsehood but also any active, eager, or swift pursuit of "deceit" – intentional fraud, treachery, or guile. This emphasizes his conscious and deliberate avoidance of dishonest practices, suggesting that he has not been quick to exploit others or engage in trickery.

#### Literary Devices
Job 31:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to underscore Job's declaration of innocence. The most prominent is **Hypothetical Oath**, where Job presents a condition ("If I have...") that implies a self-curse or divine judgment if the condition is true. This structure pervades the entire chapter, lending a powerful, almost legalistic, weight to his defense. **Metonymy** is evident in "my foot hath hasted," where "foot" stands for Job's actions or the direction of his life, emphasizing the active nature of his conduct. The pairing of "vanity" and "deceit" creates a **Parallelism**, specifically a synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("my foot hath hasted to deceit") reinforces and elaborates on the first ("I have walked with vanity"). Both phrases speak to the absence of falsehood and moral emptiness in Job's life, creating a comprehensive picture of his integrity. The use of strong, negative terms like "vanity" and "deceit" also highlights Job's profound moral conviction and his clear distinction between righteous and unrighteous living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 31:5 is a profound statement on personal integrity and the nature of truth in the eyes of God. Theologically, it underscores the biblical emphasis on sincerity of heart and consistency of walk, not merely outward conformity. Job's refusal to "walk with vanity" resonates with the wisdom tradition's constant warning against futility and the pursuit of things that do not last or truly satisfy, while his rejection of "deceit" aligns with God's character as truth and His abhorrence of falsehood. This verse posits that true righteousness involves both the rejection of empty, worthless pursuits and the active avoidance of dishonest practices. It challenges the notion that suffering is always a direct result of specific, unconfessed sin, forcing a deeper theological reflection on the complexities of divine justice and human experience.

* [Psalm 24:4](/psalms/24-4 "Psalm 24:4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven Things the Lord Hates")
* [Zechariah 8:16](/zechariah/8-16 "Zechariah 8:16 - Speak the Truth to One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's powerful declaration in Job 31:5 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination, challenging believers to scrutinize the true nature of their daily walk. Do we, like Job, actively strive to avoid paths characterized by "vanity"—empty pursuits, superficial values, or a life devoid of spiritual substance? Are our steps truly directed by integrity, or do we find ourselves quickly inclining towards "deceit," whether in subtle forms of dishonesty, exaggeration, or manipulation in our interactions, work, or even self-perception? This verse calls us to a radical honesty before God, prompting us to evaluate not just our outward actions but the very inclinations of our hearts and the motivations behind our choices. It encourages a life lived with intentionality, rooted in truth and substance, rather than chasing fleeting illusions or compromising our character for temporary gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "walking with vanity," pursuing things that are ultimately empty or lack true spiritual substance?**
* **Are there subtle ways in which my "foot hath hasted to deceit," perhaps in small dishonesties, exaggerations, or a lack of transparency?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper commitment to integrity and truthfulness in my thoughts, words, and actions, even when it is difficult or costly?**
* **What does it mean for me to live a life of substance and truth, aligning my daily walk with God's character and principles?**

### FAQ
**What does "walked with vanity" truly mean in the context of Job 31:5?**

Answer: "Walked with vanity" (הָלַךְ עִם־שָׁוְא) signifies a life characterized by emptiness, falsehood, or worthlessness. It's not merely about occasional missteps but about the overall direction and nature of one's conduct. Job is denying that his life has been built on deceitful foundations, pursued futile goals, or been devoid of genuine moral substance. It implies a rejection of a life lived for superficial gains or based on lies, emphasizing a commitment to truth and meaningful purpose, as opposed to the "vanity of vanities" described in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities").

**How does Job's denial of "hasting to deceit" relate to his overall character?**

Answer: Job's denial of "hasting to deceit" (יָחוּשׁ לְמִרְמָה) indicates that he has not been quick or eager to engage in fraudulent or treacherous behavior. It's a strong statement about his moral inclination—he doesn't just avoid deceit, he actively shuns any swift move towards it. This reinforces the biblical portrayal of Job as a man of exceptional integrity, "blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil" ([Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Introduction to Job")). It highlights his conscious and deliberate choice to live honestly, even when faced with immense pressure and suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job's declaration in [Job 31:5](/job/31-5 "Job 31:5 - Job's Oath of Integrity") powerfully asserts his human integrity, it ultimately points to the perfect and sinless walk of Jesus Christ. Job, though righteous for a human, still lived under the shadow of sin, needing a redeemer. Jesus, however, truly "walked with no vanity," for His life was utterly devoid of emptiness, falsehood, or futility. Every step He took was purposeful, aligned perfectly with the will of the Father, and filled with divine substance ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). He never "hasted to deceit"; rather, He was the embodiment of truth, the very Word made flesh, in whom "there is no deceit found" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinless Example")). Unlike Job, who could only appeal to his own relative innocence, Jesus's perfect walk and absolute truthfulness qualified Him as the spotless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose sacrifice fully atoned for the "vanity" and "deceit" of humanity. Thus, Job's aspiration for a blameless life finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in the perfect life and atoning work of Christ, who enables believers to walk in newness of life, free from the dominion of vanity and deceit ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 12:11

¶ He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain [persons is] void of understanding.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

Psalms 7:3

O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;

Psalms 7:5

Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take [it]; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.

Psalms 4:2

O ye sons of men, how long [will ye turn] my glory into shame? [how long] will ye love vanity, [and] seek after leasing? Selah.

Jeremiah 2:5

Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

Micah 2:11

If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, [saying], I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.