9 “If my heart has been enticed to a woman,
and I have laid wait at my neighbor’s door, 10 then let my wife grind for another,
and let others sleep with her. 11 For that would be a heinous crime.
Yes, it would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges: 12 For it is a fire that consumes to destruction,
and would root out all my increase. 13 “If I have despised the cause of my male servant
or of my female servant,
when they contended with me; 14 What then shall I do when God rises up?
When he visits, what shall I answer him? 15 Didn’t he who made me in the womb make him?
Didn’t one fashion us in the womb?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 31:9-15

Commentary on Job 31:9-15

(Read Job 31:9-15)

All the defilements of the life come from a deceived heart. Lust is a fire in the soul: those that indulge it, are said to burn. It consumes all that is good there, and lays the conscience waste. It kindles the fire of God's wrath, which, if not quenched by the blood of Christ, will consume even to eternal destruction. It consumes the body; it consumes the substance. Burning lusts bring burning judgments. Job had a numerous household, and he managed it well. He considered that he had a Master in heaven; and as we are undone if God should be severe with us, we ought to be mild and gentle towards all with whom we have to do.