· Translation: KJV

Job 31:30(yes, I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking his life with a curse);

The setting

Job continues his oath of innocence, addressing the most natural human response to enemies — cursing them.

The emotion here: clinging to moral integrity while everything else has been stripped away

The original word

alah (אָלָה) — to curse with an oath, calling down divine punishment on someone

Why it matters

In ancient times, curses were considered legally binding contracts with supernatural powers

Read with care

What most readers miss in Job 31:30

Job specifically mentions controlling his 'mouth' — the temptation to curse was verbal and immediate

Common misconceptionMany think this is about not using profanity, but Job is talking about not calling down divine judgment or death on his enemies.

Bible Genome reading

Job 31:30 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerJob
EraPatriarchal
Primary emotiondeciding
Literary typepoetry

Emotional genome

Comfort power40%
Quotability40%
Memorability40%
Crisis relevance40%
Standalone30%
Themes:speechrestraint

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Job 31

Job 31:30 comes from the book of Job, written during the Patriarchal period. These words are attributed to Job. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the poetry genre of biblical literature. Key themes include speech, restraint. Notable phrases: not allowed my mouth to sin; asking his life with a curse.

Your reflection

What does Job 31:30 mean to you, today?

A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.

Speak your heart →

Get 3 verses for "deciding"

Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.