Commentary on Job, part 22 (responsibilities to the poor)

Job's soliloquy makes clear the moral responsibilities of the wealthy to the poor and to servants, and also the dire consequences of failing to honor those responsibilities. If evils are inflicted upon the righteous and generous Job, then should we who fall far short of his compassion expect to suffer any less?

I led [them] from my mother’s womb (31:18)

It appears to be impossible for adults to act from the uterus and womb. Clearly they were nourished by the teaching of the word, as by a father, and its instruction like the womb of a mother.

If I have seen him naked and did not clothe him, and if the weak did not bless me, and their shoulders were not warmed by the fleece of my flock (31:19-20)

He filled the spiritual and physical needs for food and clothing.

If I lifted my hand against an orphan, trusting that my help was greater, may then my shoulder be freed from my collarbone and my arm crushed off from my elbow (31:21-22)

Whatever other wealthy and rich men did not do, he said that he did do. And he renounces and flees from that which they did do. He says “if I did this wickedness by my hands, may my arms be ground to dust.”