Job 31:14
“What then shall I do, when God riseth up? and when He visiteth, what shall I answer him?”
In this verse, Job is reflecting on the possibility of facing God’s judgment and expressing his concern about how he would respond to God when He comes to visit or intervene in his life.
To understand the significance of this verse, let’s delve into the broader context of the book of Job.
The book of Job revolves around the story of a righteous man named Job who experiences extreme suffering and loss.
Job’s friends wrongly assume that his misfortune must be the result of his sin and try to convince him to confess his presumed guilt.
Throughout the book, Job passionately defends his innocence and desires an audience with God to plead his case.
In Job 31, Job presents a final defence of his righteousness, asserting that he has not committed various sins and listing his virtuous actions.
Verse 14 is part of Job’s concluding remarks, where he contemplates what he would say if God were to confront him directly.
Job’s question, “What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?” reveals his deep sense of reverence and awe for God.
He contemplates the weightiness of having to face God’s judgment, acknowledging that he would have to give an account of his actions.
This verse demonstrates Job’s humility and fear of the Lord.
Despite feeling misunderstood and wronged by his friends and enduring immense suffering, Job maintains a deep respect for God.
He understands that God is the ultimate authority and that his actions and motives will be scrutinised by Him.
Job’s words also highlight the significance of accountability before God.
This verse reminds us that, ultimately, everyone will have to answer to God for their thoughts, words, and deeds.
It serves as a reminder to live with integrity, knowing that our actions have consequences and will be evaluated by the righteous standards of God.
In summary, Job 31:14 captures Job’s contemplation about how he would respond when faced with God’s judgment.
It emphasises his humility, fear of the Lord, and recognition of the importance of accountability before God.
This verse invites us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we would answer God when He examines our hearts and actions.
