Job 31:1

I made a covenant. This chapter represents the conclusion of Job’s long speech. In chapter 29, Job has spoken of his honored public life, and of the honor that was shown him in days past. In this chapter he outlines the principles that regulate his private conduct. These principles may be outlined as follows: (1) chastity (vs. 1-4), (2) seriousness and sincerity (vs. 5, 6), (3) uprightness and purity (vs. 7, 8), (4) fidelity to the marriage vow (vs. 9-12), (5) fidelity to his servants (vs. 13-15), (6) benevolence toward the helpless (vs. 16-23), (7) freedom from covetousness and idolatry (vs. 24-28), (8) kindness to his enemies (vs. 29, 30), (9) hospitality (vs. 31, 32), (10) freedom from secret sins (vs. 33-37), (11) honesty in matters regarding property (vs. 38-40). This chapter provides an unusually comprehensive summary of the ethics of Job. It is unexcelled as an example of lofty idealism.

Think upon a maid. Literally, “think upon a virgin.” Compare Matt. 5:27, 28. Job understood that mere avoidance of the overt act of adultery was not sufficient. In order to meet God’s standard the thinking as well as the actions must be pure. Job met the problem by entering into an agreement with himself that he would not allow his mind to be responsive to the enticements of lust. In the figurative language of the text, a covenant was made between the conscience and the eyes — an agreement that imposed a definite obligation on the eyes not to gaze upon that which would suggest impure thoughts.