Job 36:19

"Don’t let riches entice you to wrath, neither let the great size of a bribe turn you aside."

Key Reflection

In first-century Jewish culture, Job 36:19 emphasizes the dangers of wealth and power. The verse warns against allowing material possessions to provoke anger or corrupt judgment. For the original audience, this advice was particularly poignant given their societal context where amassing riches could come with significant social influence and potential for abuse. Thus, the text cautions that true wisdom lies in maintaining moral integrity even when faced with the allure of great wealth or power.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Will he esteem thy riches? -That is God will not regard thy riches as a reason why he should not cut you off, or as a ransom for your forfeited life. The reference here must be to the fact that Job “had been” a rich man, and the meaning is, either that God would not spare him because he “had been” a rich man, or that if he had now all the wealth which he once possessed, it would not be sufficient to be a ransom for his life. Nor all the forces of his strength -Not all that gives power and influence to a man - wealth, age, wisdom, reputation, authority, and rank.

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