Old Testament
Job 31:34
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence and went not out of the door?
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Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door?
What Job 31:34 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job is expressing his integrity and courage in the face of public opinion and social pressure. He questions whether he has ever been afraid of the large crowds or the scorn of families that might have caused him to remain silent or avoid confronting issues. Job is asserting that he has not let fear dictate his actions or prevent him from speaking the truth. This reflects his commitment to righteousness and his unwillingness to compromise his values for the sake of popularity or acceptance. Job's rhetorical questions highlight his confidence in his moral standing and his determination to uphold his principles, regardless of external pressures. He is essentially saying that he has not allowed the fear of judgment or ridicule to silence him, which is a testament to his character and faithfulness to God.
How to apply Job 31:34 to your life
This verse encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs and values, even when faced with societal pressure or fear of judgment. It reminds us to speak out for what is right and not to let fear silence our voices. We should strive to maintain our integrity regardless of the circumstances.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Job Holds Fast His Integrity (Job 27:1–31:40)
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Job
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 31:34 mean?
Job 31:34 expresses Job's assertion of his integrity and courage. He questions whether he has ever let fear of public opinion or scorn from others silence him, emphasizing his commitment to truth and righteousness.
What is the significance of silence in Job 31:34?
In Job 31:34, silence represents a failure to speak out against injustice or wrongdoing due to fear. Job highlights that he has not allowed fear of judgment to prevent him from confronting issues, showcasing his moral strength.
How does Job 31:34 relate to integrity?
Job 31:34 relates to integrity by illustrating Job's refusal to compromise his values under societal pressure. He stands firm in his beliefs, demonstrating that true integrity involves speaking the truth regardless of external fears.
What does Job 31:34 teach about facing public opinion?
Job 31:34 teaches that one should not be swayed by public opinion or the contempt of others. It encourages individuals to maintain their convictions and speak out for what is right, despite potential backlash.
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