“If I have kept the poor from their desire,
Or caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
Or eaten my morsel by myself,
So that the fatherless could not eat of it (Job 31:16-17 NKJV)

JOB 31 IN ITS ENTIRETY.

Thought For The Week: In this passage, Job defends his integrity in a passionate speech to his friends. He proclaims that he was renowned for his benevolence and charity, particularly toward the most vulnerable members of society. He lists several sins he did not commit, including neglecting the poor, the widow, and the orphan. Job’s declaration is not one of pride but of moral conviction. His words highlight a covenant he made not just with God, but with the needy people he encountered.

The Hebrew word for “desires” in verse 16 isn’t just about refusing a single request. It refers to the deep longing and need of the poor. The image of the “eyes of the widow grow[ing] weary” paints a picture of a person looking out a window day after day, hoping for help that never comes. Job’s point is that he never allowed this despair to take hold on his watch.

His decision to share his food, or “morsel,” with the fatherless shows a radical generosity. This wasn’t about giving from a surplus, but sharing from what he had, making the less fortunate a part of his own sustenance. This practice echoed the Old Testament’s commands to care for the vulnerable and foreshadowed Jesus’s own compassion for the marginalized.

Job’s unwavering commitment to the poor challenges us to consider our own charity today. In our pursuit of success and security, do we make room at our table for those in need? Do we notice the people on the fringes of our community whose eyes might be weary with waiting for help?

True righteousness, as exemplified by Job, is not just about abstaining from sin. It is an active and intentional choice to love and serve those in distress. This is a difficult task, but it is the fruit of a life that honors God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Job, who showed us that compassion is a powerful and holy act. Forgive us for the times we have been selfish with our resources or have ignored the cries of the needy. Open our eyes and soften our hearts to those who are poor, widowed, and fatherless. Help us to share our “morsel” with others, making them feel seen and cared for, just as you have seen and cared for us. In your precious name, Amen.