What is the meaning of Job 31:14? What will I do when God rises to judge? “ ‘What then will I do when God rises to judge?’ ” (Job 31:14a) sets Job’s self-examination in the glare of a coming courtroom where the Judge is also Creator. • Job pictures a decisive moment—God “rises” (Psalm 82:8; Isaiah 3:13)—to underline that judgment is certain, personal, and inescapable (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Romans 14:10–12). • He has just defended his fair treatment of servants (Job 31:13); now he asks what excuse could possibly stand if he had wronged them. • The implied answer is “none.” God’s perfect justice leaves no loopholes (Deuteronomy 10:17–18; Acts 10:34). • This recognition fuels Job’s integrity: he governs his earthly relationships as one already living before the heavenly bench (2 Corinthians 5:9–10). How will I answer when called to account? “ ‘How will I answer when called to account?’ ” (Job 31:14b) shifts from the scene to Job’s speech. • Scripture pictures every mouth silenced before God’s holiness (Romans 3:19; Matthew 22:12). • Job knows that only a clean conscience, rooted in righteous deeds and reverence, can face such scrutiny (1 John 3:18–21). • Earlier he longed for a mediator (Job 9:32–35); here he stresses practical obedience: justice toward servants, generosity to the poor, purity in thought and action (Job 31:1-40). • His question calls readers to prepare an answer now—through repentance and faith—before the summons comes (Hebrews 9:27-28). summary Job 31:14 confronts us with the reality of divine judgment and the poverty of any defense based on partial obedience. Job’s rhetorical questions expose the futility of excuses and highlight the need for integrity, compassion, and, ultimately, reliance on the One who can present us blameless before God (Jude 24). |
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