let God weigh me with honest scales
In this phrase, Job is appealing to God's perfect justice. The imagery of scales is significant in ancient cultures, where scales were used to measure goods fairly. Job is confident in his righteousness and desires divine judgment rather than human judgment, which can be flawed. This reflects the biblical theme of God as the ultimate judge, as seen in Proverbs 16:11, which states that honest scales and balances belong to the Lord. The use of scales also connects to the concept of divine justice found in Daniel 5:27, where Belshazzar is weighed and found wanting. Job's request for honest scales underscores his belief in God's omniscience and fairness.

that He may know my integrity
Job's plea for God to know his integrity highlights his unwavering commitment to righteousness despite his suffering. Integrity in the biblical sense involves moral uprightness and consistency in one's actions and character. Job's assertion of his integrity is a central theme throughout the book, as he maintains his innocence against the accusations of his friends. This echoes the biblical principle found in Psalm 26:1, where David asks the Lord to vindicate him because of his integrity. Job's confidence in his integrity foreshadows the ultimate vindication of the righteous, a theme that resonates with the New Testament portrayal of Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect integrity and righteousness.

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. God
The Almighty Creator, whom Job appeals to for justice and validation of his integrity.

3. Job's Friends
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are significant in the context of Job 31. They accuse Job of hidden sins, prompting Job's defense of his integrity.

4. The Heavenly Court
An implied setting where God weighs the deeds of individuals, reflecting the divine justice system.

5. The Scales
Symbolic of divine justice and truth, representing God's ability to measure human integrity accurately.Integrity Before God
Job's plea for God to weigh him with honest scales underscores the importance of living with integrity. Believers are encouraged to maintain integrity, knowing that God sees and knows all.

Divine Justice
The concept of God weighing actions with honest scales reassures believers of divine justice. God is fair and just, and His assessments are true and righteous.

Self-Examination
Job's confidence in his integrity invites believers to self-examine their lives. Are we living in a way that would stand up to God's honest scales?

Trust in God's Knowledge
Job's appeal to God’s knowledge of his integrity teaches believers to trust that God knows their hearts and intentions, even when others misunderstand or accuse them falsely.

Responding to Accusations
Job's response to his friends' accusations serves as a model for handling false accusations with grace and confidence in one's integrity before God.Top 10 Lessons from Job 31

In Job 31:1-4, how can Job claim such purity given other scriptures teach no one is entirely sinless?

Job 34:31-32 - Elihu suggests people should submit and learn; how do we reconcile this with free will and instances where righteous behavior goes unrewarded?

Does Job's assertion of moral completeness in Job 31:5-8 conflict with the broader biblical theme of universal human fallibility?

How does the Bible explain evil and suffering?Verse 6. - Let me be weighed in an even balance; literally, let him (i.e. God) weigh me in the balances of justice. The use of this imagery by the Egyptians has been already noted (see the comment on Job 6:2). It is an essential part of every Egyptian representation of the final judgment of souls by Osiris. Each man's merits are formally weighed in a balance, which is carefully depicted, and he is judged accordingly. Job asks that this may be done in his case, either immediately or at any rate ultimately. He would have the act performed, that God may know his integrity; or rather, may recognize it. (So Professor Leo.) Job has no doubt that a thorough investigation of his case will lead to a, acknowledgment and proclamation of his innocence.

Parallel Commentaries ...


let God weigh me
יִשְׁקְלֵ֥נִי (yiš·qə·lê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 8254: To suspend, poise

with honest
צֶ֑דֶק (ṣe·ḏeq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity

scales,
בְמֹאזְנֵי־ (ḇə·mō·zə·nê-)
Preposition-b | Noun - mdc
Strong's 3976: A pair of scales

and He
אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ (’ĕ·lō·w·ah)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 433: God -- a deity, the Deity

will know
וְיֵדַ֥ע (wə·yê·ḏa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

my integrity.
תֻּמָּתִֽי׃ (tum·mā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8538: Innocence


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OT Poetry: Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even (Jb)