Job 31:24
If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security,
If I have put my trust
The phrase "put my trust" in Hebrew is rooted in the word "בָּטַח" (batach), which conveys a sense of confidence, reliance, or security. In the ancient Near Eastern context, trust was often placed in tangible, earthly things, such as wealth or idols. Job is introspectively examining his heart, questioning whether he has misplaced his trust in material wealth rather than in God. This introspection is a call for believers to evaluate where their ultimate security lies, urging a reliance on God rather than on temporal possessions.

in gold
Gold, in the ancient world, was a symbol of wealth, power, and status. It was often used in trade and as a measure of wealth. The Hebrew word for gold, "זָהָב" (zahav), appears frequently in the Old Testament, often associated with opulence and idolatry. Job's mention of gold serves as a metaphor for material wealth and the temptation to idolize it. This reflects a broader biblical theme warning against the love of money, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:10, which states that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

or called pure gold
The term "pure gold" emphasizes the highest quality and value of gold, known in Hebrew as "כֶּתֶם" (kethem). This term is used to describe gold that is refined and free from impurities, symbolizing the ultimate form of earthly wealth. Job's rhetorical question challenges the reader to consider whether they have elevated material wealth to a status of ultimate importance, akin to a deity. The purity of the gold contrasts with the purity of heart that God desires, as seen in Psalm 51:10, where David asks God to create a pure heart within him.

my security
The word "security" in this context is derived from the Hebrew "מִבְטָח" (mivtach), which signifies a place of refuge or safety. In the ancient world, security was often sought in fortified cities, armies, or wealth. Job's reflection highlights the futility of seeking security in anything other than God. This aligns with Proverbs 18:10, which declares that the name of the Lord is a strong tower, providing true safety for the righteous. Job's statement serves as a reminder that true security is found in a relationship with God, not in the accumulation of wealth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A 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. Uz
The land where Job lived. It is often associated with the region east of Israel, though its exact location is uncertain.

3. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to comfort him but end up arguing with him about the reasons for his suffering.

4. God
The Almighty Creator, who ultimately speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, providing divine perspective on Job's trials.

5. Satan
The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity.
Teaching Points
Trust in God, Not Wealth
Job's statement challenges believers to examine where they place their trust. True security comes from God, not material wealth.

The Danger of Idolatry
By refusing to call gold his security, Job avoids the idolatry of wealth. Believers are reminded to guard against elevating anything above God.

Contentment in All Circumstances
Job's life exemplifies contentment and faithfulness regardless of material circumstances, encouraging believers to find satisfaction in God's provision.

Integrity in Prosperity and Adversity
Job's integrity remains intact whether in wealth or suffering, teaching that character should not be dependent on external conditions.

Eternal Perspective
Job's perspective points to the eternal value of spiritual wealth over temporal riches, urging believers to focus on heavenly treasures.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job's refusal to trust in gold challenge our modern views on wealth and security?

2. In what ways can we identify if we are placing our trust in material possessions rather than in God?

3. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce Job's perspective on wealth?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our security is rooted in God and not in our financial status?

5. How can Job's example of integrity inspire us to maintain our faith in both prosperity and adversity?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 6:24
This verse speaks about the impossibility of serving both God and money, echoing Job's declaration of not putting trust in wealth.

1 Timothy 6:10
This passage warns about the love of money being the root of all kinds of evil, aligning with Job's rejection of gold as his security.

Proverbs 11:28
This proverb highlights the downfall of those who trust in riches, reinforcing Job's stance against relying on wealth.
The Hope of GoldW.F. Adeney Job 31:24
Guard the SensesGurnall, WilliamJob 31:1-32
Methods of Moral LifeJoseph Parker, D. D.Job 31:1-32
Solemn Assurances of InnocenceE. Johnson Job 31:1-40
The Consciousness of IntegrityR. Green Job 31:1-40
On the Love of MoneyT. Chalmers, D. D.Job 31:24-28
The Worship of WealthCanon Liddon.Job 31:24-28
People
Abaddon, Adam, Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Best, Confidence, Faith, Fine, Gold, Hope, Pure, Security, Trust
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 31:24

     5413   money, attitudes
     5942   security
     8354   trustworthiness
     8812   riches, ungodly use

Job 31:24-25

     5399   luxury
     5591   treasure
     8032   trust, lack of

Job 31:24-28

     4333   gold
     5558   storing
     5941   secrecy
     8780   materialism, and sin
     8810   riches, dangers
     8811   riches, attitudes to
     8840   unfaithfulness, to God

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 Works

Question 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

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