If I have rejoiced in my enemy's ruin, or exulted when evil befell him-- If I have rejoicedThe Hebrew word for "rejoiced" is "שָׂמַח" (samach), which conveys a sense of joy or gladness. In the context of Job's discourse, this word underscores the moral integrity he strives to maintain. Job is asserting that he has not allowed himself to feel joy at the downfall of others, which reflects a deep commitment to righteousness and compassion. This attitude aligns with the broader biblical teaching that love and forgiveness should prevail over vengeance and malice, as seen in Proverbs 24:17, "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice." at my enemy’s ruin
The term "enemy" in Hebrew is "אוֹיֵב" (oyev), which refers to an adversary or foe. The word "ruin" is translated from "פִּיד" (pid), meaning destruction or calamity. Job's reference to his "enemy’s ruin" highlights the natural human inclination to feel satisfaction when those who oppose us face misfortune. However, Job's claim that he has not rejoiced in such circumstances speaks to his adherence to a higher moral standard, one that reflects the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, where believers are called to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44). or exulted
The Hebrew word "עָלַז" (alaz) means to exult or triumph. This term suggests a more intense form of joy, often associated with victory or success. Job's use of this word indicates that he has not only refrained from feeling joy but has also avoided any sense of triumph over his enemies' misfortunes. This restraint is a testament to his character and his understanding of divine justice, recognizing that ultimate judgment belongs to God alone. when evil befell him
The phrase "when evil befell him" uses the Hebrew "רָע" (ra), meaning evil or calamity. This part of the verse emphasizes the misfortunes or hardships that may come upon an adversary. Job's statement here is a profound reflection on the nature of suffering and the human response to it. By not exulting in another's suffering, Job demonstrates empathy and a recognition of shared humanity, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This perspective encourages believers to respond to others' suffering with compassion and humility, rather than with gloating or pride. Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith. 2. Job's FriendsEliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to comfort him but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, suggesting his suffering is due to sin. 3. Job's EnemiesWhile not specifically named, Job refers to those who might oppose or wish harm upon him, highlighting his integrity in not rejoicing over their misfortune. 4. The Land of UzThe setting of the Book of Job, a region whose exact location is uncertain but is traditionally considered to be in the area of Edom or northern Arabia. 5. GodThe ultimate judge and sovereign being, whose justice and wisdom are central themes in the Book of Job. Teaching Points Integrity in AdversityJob's refusal to rejoice over his enemy's ruin demonstrates a high standard of integrity. Believers are called to maintain righteousness even when wronged. Love for EnemiesThe Christian call to love and pray for enemies is a radical departure from natural human inclinations. Job exemplifies this by not exulting in their misfortune. Trust in Divine JusticeJob's attitude reflects a trust in God's justice rather than seeking personal vengeance. Believers are encouraged to trust God to right wrongs. Guarding the HeartRejoicing in another's misfortune can corrupt the heart. Christians are urged to guard their hearts against such attitudes, fostering compassion instead. Reflecting Christ's CharacterBy not rejoicing over an enemy's downfall, believers reflect the character of Christ, who showed love and forgiveness even to those who opposed Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Job's attitude towards his enemies challenge our natural responses to those who wrong us? 2. In what ways can we apply the teaching of Proverbs 24:17-18 in our daily interactions with those we consider adversaries? 3. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 expand upon Job's example of not rejoicing over an enemy's downfall? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are leaving room for God's justice, as advised in Romans 12:19-21? 5. How can reflecting on Job's integrity inspire us to maintain our own integrity in difficult situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 24:17-18This passage advises against rejoicing when your enemy falls, aligning with Job's declaration of his own righteousness in not doing so. Matthew 5:44Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, which echoes Job's attitude of not rejoicing over an enemy's downfall. Romans 12:19-21Paul instructs believers not to take revenge but to leave room for God's wrath, promoting kindness towards enemies, which reflects Job's stance. People Abaddon, Adam, JobPlaces UzTopics Befell, Cries, Destruction, Enemy, Enemy's, Evil, Extinction, Exulted, Glad, Gloated, Hated, Hater, Joy, Lifted, Misfortune, Myself, Overtook, Rejoice, Rejoiced, Ruin, Stirred, TroubleDictionary of Bible Themes Job 31:29 5496 revenge, examples Job 31:29-30 8730 enemies, of believers Library Thou Shalt not Steal.
This Commandment also has a work, which embraces very many good works, and is opposed to many vices, and is called in German Mildigkeit, "benevolence;" which is a work ready to help and serve every one with one's goods. And it fights not only against theft and robbery, but against all stinting in temporal goods which men may practise toward one another: such as greed, usury, overcharging and plating wares that sell as solid, counterfeit wares, short measures and weights, and who could tell all the …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good WorksQuestion of the Active Life
I. Do all Acts of the Moral Virtues come under the Active Life? II. Does Prudence pertain to the Active Life? III. Does Teaching belong to the Active or to the Contemplative Life? IV. Does the Active Life continue after this Life? I Do all Acts of the Moral Virtues come under the Active Life? S. Isidore says[407]: "In the active life all the vices are first of all to be removed by the practice of good works, so that in the contemplative life a man may, with now purified mental gaze, pass to the …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life Whether virtue is in us by Nature?
Objection 1: It would seem that virtue is in us by nature. For Damascene says (De Fide Orth. iii, 14): "Virtues are natural to us and are equally in all of us." And Antony says in his sermon to the monks: "If the will contradicts nature it is perverse, if it follow nature it is virtuous." Moreover, a gloss on Mat. 4:23, "Jesus went about," etc., says: "He taught them natural virtues, i.e. chastity, justice, humility, which man possesses naturally." Objection 2: Further, the virtuous good consists …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether after Christ, it was Proper to the Blessed virgin to be Sanctified in the Womb?
Objection 1: It would seem that it was proper for the Blessed Virgin, after Christ, to be sanctified in the womb. For it has been said [4131](A[4]) that the Blessed Virgin was sanctified in the womb, in order that she might be worthy to be the mother of God. But this is proper to her. Therefore she alone was sanctified in the womb. Objection 2: Further, some men seem to have been more closely connected with Christ than Jeremias and John the Baptist, who are said to have been sanctified in the womb. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Corporal Alms are of More Account than Spiritual Alms?
Objection 1: It would seem that corporal alms are of more account than spiritual alms. For it is more praiseworthy to give an alms to one who is in greater want, since an almsdeed is to be praised because it relieves one who is in need. Now the body which is relieved by corporal alms, is by nature more needy than the spirit which is relieved by spiritual alms. Therefore corporal alms are of more account. Objection 2: Further, an alms is less praiseworthy and meritorious if the kindness is compensated, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Confession is According to the Natural Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that confession is according to the natural law. For Adam and Cain were bound to none but the precepts of the natural law, and yet they are reproached for not confessing their sin. Therefore confession of sin is according to the natural law. Objection 2: Further, those precepts which are common to the Old and New Law are according to the natural law. But confession was prescribed in the Old Law, as may be gathered from Is. 43:26: "Tell, if thou hast anything to justify …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether one Can, Without a Mortal Sin, Deny the Truth which Would Lead to One's Condemnation?
Objection 1: It would seem one can, without a mortal sin, deny the truth which would lead to one's condemnation. For Chrysostom says (Hom. xxxi super Ep. ad Heb.): "I do not say that you should lay bare your guilt publicly, nor accuse yourself before others." Now if the accused were to confess the truth in court, he would lay bare his guilt and be his own accuser. Therefore he is not bound to tell the truth: and so he does not sin mortally if he tell a lie in court. Objection 2: Further, just as …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and Exhorted to the Exercise of Habitual Love to Him, and Joy in Him.
1. A holy joy in God, our privilege as well as our duty.--2. The Christian invited to the exercise of it.--3. By the consideration of temporal mercies.--4. And of spiritual favors.--5. By the views of eternal happiness.--6. And of the mercies of God to others, the living and the dead.--7. The chapter closes with an exhortation to this heavenly exercise. And with an example of the genuine workings of this grateful joy in God. 1. I WOULD now suppose my reader to find, on an examination of his spiritual …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Trials of the Christian
AFFLICTION--ITS NATURE AND BENEFITS. The school of the cross is the school of light; it discovers the world's vanity, baseness, and wickedness, and lets us see more of God's mind. Out of dark afflictions comes a spiritual light. In times of affliction, we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God. The end of affliction is the discovery of sin; and of that, to bring us to a Saviour. Doth not God ofttimes even take occasion, by the hardest of things that come upon us, to visit …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan The Christian Business World
Scripture references: Proverbs 22:29; Romans 12:11; Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12; Haggai 2:8; Psalm 49:6,10,16,17; 62:10; Matthew 13:22; Mark 10:23,24; Job 31:24-26; Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 25:14-30; 24:45-51; 6:19-21; Luke 12:16-21. THE IDEAL IN THE BUSINESS WORLD There is often a wide difference between the methods actually employed in doing business and when they should be. Good men who are in the thick of the battle of competition and rivalry with other firms in the same line of trade, are the quickest …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian The Seventh Commandment
Thou shalt not commit adultery.' Exod 20: 14. God is a pure, holy spirit, and has an infinite antipathy against all uncleanness. In this commandment he has entered his caution against it; non moechaberis, Thou shalt not commit adultery.' The sum of this commandment is, The preservations of corporal purity. We must take heed of running on the rock of uncleanness, and so making shipwreck of our chastity. In this commandment there is something tacitly implied, and something expressly forbidden. 1. The …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Job 31:29 NIVJob 31:29 NLTJob 31:29 ESVJob 31:29 NASBJob 31:29 KJV
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