Bible Commentary

Job 31:1

Job 31:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

I made a covenant with mine eyes; rather, for mine eyes. The covenant must have been with himself. Job means that be came to a fixed resolution, by which he thenceforth guided his conduct, not even to "look upon a woman to lust after her" ().

We must suppose this resolution come to in his early youth, when the passions are strongest, and when so many men go astray. How then should I look upon a maid! Having made such a resolution, how could I possibly break it by "looking upon a maid"?

Job assumes that he could not be so weak as to break a solemn resolution.

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