Job 31:14

What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?

Job 31:14 (KJV)

Context

Job speaks these words near the end of his final defense of his integrity. In Job 31, he solemnly lists sins he has not committed, including mistreating his servants (Job 31:13), the poor, widows, and orphans (Job 31:16-22). Verse 14 is a rhetorical question that expresses his awareness that if he had committed such sins, he would be utterly unable to answer when God rises up to judge and makes inquiry.

The immediate context (Job 31:13-15) emphasizes that God is the Creator of all people, making them equal before Him. This is why Job must treat others justly, regardless of their social standing.

Meaning

Job’s question reveals his deep reverence and awe for God. He contemplates the weightiness of facing God’s judgment, acknowledging that he would have to give an account of his actions. The language of “riseth up” and “visiteth” conveys God’s active intervention in judgment.

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 scrutinized by Him.

Job’s question is not a confession of guilt but a declaration of his confidence that he has lived righteously, yet it also reveals his humility before God’s majesty. It underscores the certainty of divine judgment and human accountability.

Biblical connections

This verse connects to the broader theme of Job’s desire to present his case before God (Job 13:22), but it also foreshadows God’s response in Job 38, where God questions Job, showing that no human can answer God on equal terms.

Application

Job’s words 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.

This verse invites us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we would answer God when He examines our hearts and actions. It calls believers to live with an awareness of God’s omniscience and judgment, prompting self-examination and integrity in all relationships.

Reflection

Job’s question is not merely a hypothetical musing; it is a sober recognition that God sees all and will call every person to account. His confidence rests not in his own perfection, but in his faithful adherence to God’s ways. As we consider our own lives, we are invited to examine whether our actions and attitudes align with God’s righteous standards, and to live each day with the reverence and humility that Job exemplified.