I would give account of all my steps;In this phrase, Job expresses his willingness to present a detailed account of his life before God. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of legal proceedings where individuals would present their case before a judge. Job's confidence in his integrity is evident, as he believes he can justify his actions. Biblically, this mirrors the idea of living a life that is transparent before God, as seen in
Psalm 139:23-24, where the psalmist invites God to search and know his heart. The concept of giving an account is also echoed in the New Testament, such as in
Romans 14:12, where believers are reminded that each person will give an account of themselves to God.
I would approach Him like a prince.
Job's assertion that he would approach God "like a prince" indicates his sense of dignity and confidence in his righteousness. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, a prince would have had the right to enter the presence of a king with a certain level of respect and authority. This imagery suggests that Job feels justified in his actions and believes he has the right to stand before God without fear. Theologically, this can be connected to the New Testament teaching of believers having boldness to approach God through Christ, as seen inHebrews 4:16, where believers are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence. This phrase also foreshadows the believer's position in Christ, who is described as the "Prince of Peace" inIsaiah 9:6, and through whom believers are made co-heirs with Christ, as stated inRomans 8:17.
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.
GodThe Almighty Creator, whom Job desires to approach and present his case before, confident in his integrity.
3.
Job's FriendsEliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to comfort him but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, believing his suffering is a result of sin.
4.
The Heavenly CourtThe setting at the beginning of the Book of Job where God and Satan discuss Job's faithfulness.
5.
The Land of UzThe region where Job lived, often associated with the ancient Near East.
Teaching Points
Integrity Before GodJob's willingness to give an account of his steps highlights the importance of living a life of integrity. Believers are encouraged to live transparently before God, knowing He sees all.
Confidence in RighteousnessJob's desire to approach God "like a prince" demonstrates the confidence that comes from a clear conscience. Christians are called to live in such a way that they can confidently approach God.
The Role of SufferingJob's account reminds us that suffering is not always a result of personal sin. It challenges us to trust God's wisdom and sovereignty even when we do not understand our circumstances.
The Importance of Self-ExaminationJob's readiness to account for his actions encourages believers to regularly examine their lives and seek God's guidance in aligning with His will.
Approaching God with BoldnessThe New Testament teaches that through Christ, believers can approach God with confidence, echoing Job's desire to present his case before God.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Job 31
How do we persevere in life's challenges?
Why does God appear silent or absent?
How can we remain hopeful despite life's challenges?
Did you maintain your belief and trust?(37)
I would declare--
i.e., "I would readily give an account of all my actions, and meet him with alacrity and perfect confidence." Others suppose the meaning to be, "I would meet him as I would meet a prince, with the utmost deference and respect, not at all as an enemy, but as one worthy of all honour and regard." The actual meaning is uncertain. On the other hand, he has been spoken of by his friends: as a fool (
Job 5:2), by Eliphaz; as a man full of words, a liar, and a mocker (
Job 11:2-3), by Zophar; as perverse, wicked, and iniquitous (
Job 11:12;
Job 11:14); a blasphemer and a hypocrite, by Eliphaz (
Job 15:4-5;
Job 15:13;
Job 15:16;
Job 15:34, &c.); as wicked, a robber, and ignorant of God, by Bildad (
Job 18:5;
Job 18:14); as wicked and a hypocrite, by Zophar (
Job 20:5); as extortionate and oppressive (
Job 31:15;
Job 31:19, &c.); as a tyrant and an impious man, by Eliphaz (
Job 22:5;
Job 22:9;
Job 22:13;
Job 22:17, &c.). . . .
Verse 37. -
I would declare unto him the number of my steps;
i.e. I would conceal nothing. I would willingly divulge every act of my life. I would make full and complete answer to the indictment in every particular.
As a prince would I go near unto him. There should be no timidity or cringing on my part. I would face my accuser boldly, and bear myself as a prince in his presence.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
I would giveאַגִּידֶ֑נּוּ(’ag·gî·ḏen·nū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuousaccountמִסְפַּ֣ר(mis·par)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4557:A number, definite, indefinite, narrationof all my steps;צְ֭עָדַי(ṣə·‘ā·ḏay)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6806:A pace, regular stepI would approach Himאֲקָרֲבֶֽנּוּ׃(’ă·qā·ră·ḇen·nū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachlikeכְּמוֹ־(kə·mōw-)Preposition
Strong's 3644:Like, as, whena prince.נָ֝גִ֗יד(nā·ḡîḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5057:A commander, civil, military, religious, honorable themes
Links
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OT Poetry: Job 31:37 I would declare to him the number (Jb) 
