◄ Job 31:27 ►
so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,
Study Bible
my heart
In Hebrew, the word for "heart" is "לֵב" (lev), which often signifies the inner man, mind, or will. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the heart was considered the seat of emotions, thoughts, and intentions. Job is introspectively examining his innermost thoughts and desires, emphasizing the sincerity and depth of his self-reflection. This highlights the importance of purity not just in actions but in the very core of one's being, aligning with the biblical theme that God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6).

was secretly enticed
The Hebrew root for "enticed" is "פָּתָה" (pathah), which can mean to be seduced or deceived. The use of "secretly" suggests a hidden or subtle temptation, one that might not be immediately apparent to others. This reflects the biblical understanding that sin often begins in the heart, unseen by others but fully visible to God. Job's acknowledgment of this potential for hidden sin underscores the vigilance required to maintain spiritual integrity.

and my hand
The hand, "יָד" (yad) in Hebrew, is often symbolic of action or power. In this context, it represents the outward manifestation of an inward temptation. The hand's involvement indicates that what begins in the heart can lead to physical actions, reinforcing the biblical principle that inner purity is crucial to prevent sinful actions.

threw a kiss
The act of throwing a kiss, in ancient cultures, was a gesture of homage or worship, often directed towards idols or celestial bodies. This phrase suggests an act of idolatry, which was strictly forbidden in the Hebrew Scriptures. Job is asserting his innocence by denying any participation in such acts, emphasizing his commitment to worshiping God alone. This reflects the first commandment's call to exclusive devotion to God (Exodus 20:3).

from my mouth
The mouth, "פֶּה" (peh) in Hebrew, is the organ of speech and expression. It signifies the articulation of one's inner thoughts and intentions. In biblical terms, the mouth is often seen as a reflection of the heart's condition (Matthew 12:34). Job's mention of the mouth in this context highlights the importance of aligning one's speech and actions with a heart devoted to God, avoiding any form of idolatrous expression.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. In this chapter, Job is defending his integrity and righteousness.

2. God
The ultimate judge and the one whom Job seeks to vindicate him. Job's discourse is directed towards God, asserting his innocence and faithfulness.

3. Idolatry
The event or action implied in this verse is the act of idolatry, which Job denies having committed. The "hand has thrown a kiss" is a metaphor for worshiping false gods.
Teaching Points
Guarding the Heart Against Idolatry
Job's statement highlights the importance of vigilance in guarding one's heart against being secretly enticed by idols. In today's context, idols can be anything that takes precedence over God in our lives.

Integrity in Private and Public Life
Job's claim of innocence in private matters challenges believers to maintain integrity both in public and in the secret places of the heart.

The Subtlety of Sin
The metaphor of "throwing a kiss" suggests that sin can be subtle and disguised as something harmless. Believers must be discerning and aware of the subtle ways sin can infiltrate their lives.

Faithfulness to God's Commandments
Job's defense underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments, even when no one else is watching. This faithfulness is a testament to genuine devotion.

Self-Examination and Confession
Job's introspection encourages believers to regularly examine their own hearts and confess any hidden sins or temptations that may lead them away from God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Job's denial of idolatry in Job 31:27 teach us about the importance of exclusive worship of God in our lives today?

2. How can we identify and guard against modern-day idols that may secretly entice our hearts?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our private lives reflect the same integrity as our public lives, as demonstrated by Job?

4. How does the metaphor of "throwing a kiss" from Job 31:27 illustrate the subtlety of sin, and how can we remain vigilant against such subtle temptations?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to examine your heart for hidden sins or temptations. How did this process help you grow in your faith and commitment to God's commandments?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:3-5
This passage contains the first and second commandments, which prohibit having other gods and making idols. Job 31:27 reflects Job's adherence to these commandments by denying idolatry.

Deuteronomy 13:6-10
This passage warns against being enticed to worship other gods, similar to Job's claim of not being secretly enticed.

Matthew 4:10
Jesus' response to Satan during the temptation in the wilderness, emphasizing worshiping God alone, parallels Job's commitment to exclusive worship of God.
Sermons
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
Enticed, Feeling, Heart, Homage, Kiss, Kissed, Kisses, Mouth, Offered, Secret, Secretly, Threw, Worship
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 31:27

     5898   kissing

Job 31:24-28

     4333   gold
     5558   storing
     5941   secrecy
     8780   materialism, and sin
     8840   unfaithfulness, to God

Job 31:25-28

     8779   materialism, nature of

Job 31:26-28

     4284   sun

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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