Old Testament

New Testament

Job 31:22-40 New Century Version (NCV)

22. If I have, then let my arm fall off my shoulderand be broken at the joint.

23. I fear destruction from God,and I fear his majesty, so I could not do such things.

24. “I have not put my trust in goldor said to pure gold, ‘You are my security.’

25. I have not celebrated my great wealthor the riches my hands had gained.

26. I have not thought about worshiping the sun in its brightnessnor admired the moon moving in glory

27. so that my heart was pulled away from God.My hand has never offered the sun and moon a kiss of worship.

28. If I had, these also would have been sins to be punished,because I would have been unfaithful to God.

29. “I have not been happy when my enemies fellor laughed when they had trouble.

30. I have not let my mouth sinby cursing my enemies’ life.

31. The servants of my house have always said,‘All have eaten what they want of Job’s food.’

32. No stranger ever had to spend the night in the street,because I always let travelers stay in my home.

33. I have not hidden my sin as others do,secretly keeping my guilt to myself.

34. I was not so afraid of the crowdthat I kept quiet and stayed insidebecause I feared being hated by other families.

35. (“How I wish a court would hear my case!Here I sign my name to show I have told the truth.Now let the Almighty answer me;let the one who accuses me write it down.

36. I would wear the writing on my shoulder;I would put it on like a crown.

37. I would explain to God every step I took,and I would come near to him like a prince.)

38. “If my land cries out against meand its plowed rows are not wet with tears,

39. if I have taken the land’s harvest without payingor have broken the spirit of those who worked the land,

40. then let thorns come up instead of wheat,and let weeds come up instead of barley.”The words of Job are finished.

Read complete chapter Job 31