Job 31:24
If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
שַׂ֣מְתִּי
If I have made
H7760
שַׂ֣מְתִּי
If I have made
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
2 of 7
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
זָהָ֣ב
gold
H2091
זָהָ֣ב
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
3 of 7
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
כִּסְלִ֑י
my hope
H3689
כִּסְלִ֑י
my hope
Strong's:
H3689
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o
וְ֝לַכֶּ֗תֶם
to the fine gold
H3800
וְ֝לַכֶּ֗תֶם
to the fine gold
Strong's:
H3800
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, something carved out, i.e., ore; hence, gold (pure as originally mined)
Cross References
Psalms 52:7Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.Proverbs 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.Psalms 62:10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.Psalms 49:17For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.Proverbs 10:15The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.Proverbs 30:9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom warned against trusting wealth (Proverbs 11:28). Job's oath affirms he avoided this temptation despite great prosperity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against making wealth your functional god?
- What's the difference between enjoying God's gifts and idolizing them?
Analysis & Commentary
Job denies trusting in wealth: 'If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence.' This oath distances Job from idolatry of wealth. Material blessing didn't become spiritual substitute for God.