Job 31:23

Job 31:23 Meaning and Explanation

For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.

King James Version (KJV)

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Job explains that the fear of God's judgment and the weight of His majesty kept him from oppressing the weak.

What Does Job 31:23 Mean?

Here Job names what restrained him from injustice: 'destruction from God was a terror to me.' The thought of divine judgment, and the overwhelming 'highness' of God's majesty, made the very idea of oppression unbearable to him.

Job's ethics rest on reverence. He did right by the helpless because he stood in awe of the One who defends them. This holy fear is not cringing dread but the deep seriousness of a soul that knows God is real and just. Such reverence, far from cruel, is what keeps the powerful gentle and makes mercy toward the weak a matter of conscience before God.

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What does Job 31:23 mean?

Job explains that the fear of God's judgment and the weight of His majesty kept him from oppressing the weak.

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