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JOB CHAPTER 31
He protesteth his continency and chastity; God’s providence, presence, and judgments; his motives, Job_31:1-4. His just dealings, Job_31:5-8. Free from adultery, which ought to be punished by the magistrate, Job_31:9-12. His just carriage to his servants, and the reason, Job_31:13-15. His bounty to the poor, for fear of God, and his highness, Job_31:6-23. Not covetous, nor idolatrous, which ought to be punished by the magistrate, Job_31:24-28. Not revengeful, Job_31:29,30. Hospitable to strangers, Job_31:31,32. His repentance, Job_31:33. He wisheth God would answer, and his words might be recorded, Job_31:35-37. His imprecation against himself, if he spoke not the truth, Job_31:38-40.
So far have I been from wallowing in the mire of uncleanness, or any gross wickedness, wherewith you charge me, that I have abstained even from the least occasions and appearances of evil, having made a solemn resolution within myself, and a solemn covenant and promise to God, that I would not wantonly or lustfully fix mine eyes or gaze upon a maid, lest mine eyes should affect my heart, and stir me up to further filthiness. Hereby we plainly see that that command of Christ. Mat_5:29, was no new command peculiar to the gospel, as some would have it, but the very same which the law of God revealed in his word, and written in men’s hearts by nature, imposed upon men in the times of the Old Testament. See also 2Pe_2:14 1Jo_2:16. Should I think upon, i.e. indulge myself in filthy and lustful thoughts? Seeing I was obliged, and accordingly took care, to guard mine eyes, I was upon the same reason obliged to restrain my imagination. Or, why then should I consider, or contemplate, or look curiously, or thoughtfully, or diligently? Since I had made such a covenant, why should I not keep it? A maid; which is emphatically added, to show that that circumstance which provokes the lust of others had no such power over him, and that he restrained himself from the very thoughts and desires of filthiness with such persons, wherewith the generality of men allowed themselves to commit gross fornication, as deeming it to be either none, or but a very little sin. Withal he insinuates with how much more caution he kept himself from uncleanness with any married person.