Job 31: What Job Didn't

Job 31:28 "then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high."

There's been lots of talk about what Job did. First off, there is wild speculation from Job's associates about what he must have done to invoke what they perceive is God's discipline. Secondly, and a couple chapters ago, Job describes the things he did to demonstrate his righteous life, whether to God, to his friends, or even maybe to himself. 

Here in chapter 31, Job goes into great detail describing the things he is not guilty of. With every action Job recuses himself of doing, he seems to describe why he didn't do these things, and it comes down to a respect for God's splendor and general awesomeness. To a lesser extent, it was to guard his reputation and his conscience.

God will vindicate him at the end of all this business. Job seems to have his hands spread wide as if to say, "I have nothing to hide. Examine my deeds." He's not merely bragging. But who among us hasn't been falsely accused of something, and it comes as great surprise. You know you aren't guilty of the deed in question, but you have no way of disproving the charges. In fact, there is what your accusers consider greater evidence that proves it. Now you understand Job's predicament.