Job 31:29-40 ▼

29 If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, or exulted myself when misfortune befell him;

30 (But I have neither suffered my mouth to sin, nor has my soul wished for any of these things;

31 My friends said, Oh this man would give us even of his own flesh! but we are not satisfied,

32 And the stranger I did not let lodge in the street, and I opened my door to the guest);

33 If I have covered up my sins like some men, or if I have hid my guilt in secret places;

34 If I have trampled upon the rights of the others (but on the contrary, it is the multitude of families which has ruined me. Nor have I turned away anyone at the door; or engaged in gossip) let the provocations of God lay me low!

35 O that one would hear me! If God is present, let him answer me, and let him write the sentence in a book.

36 Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and make it a crown to me.

37 I would declare to him the number of my steps; as a prince I would go near to him.

38 Let the earth lament over me, let its furrows weep together,

39 If I have eaten its fruits without money; or if I have grieved one whose life is bitter,

40 Then let thistles grow instead of wheat and thorns instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.