Welcome to NachDaily with Iyov, Perek 31. This is the last part of Iyov’s monologue.

After this perek, Sefer Iyov begins to wind down as we hear from another friend, Elihu. His soliloquy will take us to perek 38. From there until the last chapter, 42, we will actually learn the prologue of the sefer and hear from God Himself on topics of Tzadik v’ra lo v’Rasha v’tov lo and why Iyov suffered so badly.

A word of encouragement for all our daily listeners and readers: I am aware that Iyov has probably been the hardest sefer we’ve learned together. As far as I know, this is the only daily shiur learning Iyov. If not us, then who? Stay strong and keep it up! Hashem is proud of us!

The Malbim explains that in the previous 2 perakim Iyov contrasted his former prosperity with his current suffering. Iyov will now reflect on the fact that he didn’t actually do any aveira to deserve such suffering and pain. He re-states his innocence and the injustice of his suffering.

In verses 1 through 12, Iyov explains how careful he had been to stay away from sin, specifically in guarding his eyes and keeping away from even the slightest temptation of sexual immorality.

Verse 1 says, “Bris karati l’einai u’ma esbonen al besula – I made a covenant with my eyes, and why should I contemplate a maiden?”

Rashi explains that Iyov wouldn’t even look at a single woman lest he might come to desire her once she was married. He had incredible shemiras ainyaim.

The Yalkut Shemoni relates how much of a Tzaddik Iyov was. How much more careful he must have been not to look at married women who are not permitted to another man.

This teaches us to be careful at what we look at. Especially nowadays, with our cell phones and computers, we need to be extra cautious not to have unfiltered technology. We have to be sure to use technology for good, and not for the opposite.

In verses 13 through 32, Iyov responds to his friends’ accusations. The Malbim explains these pessukim as follows:

In verse 13, Iyov responds to Elifaz who accused Iyov of not responding to the needs of widows and orphans. Iyov affirms that he never mistreated a widow or an orphan.

In passuk 16, Iyov responds to Tsofar who accused him of stealing from the poor. Iyov affirms that he always gave to the poor, constantly meeting their needs.

In passuk 19, Iyov again responds to Elifaz who accused him of stealing clothes from the poor, maintaining that he’s only acted for the welfare of the indigent.

In passuk 24, Iyov again responds to an early accusation of Elifaz, who claimed that God isn’t just and isn’t aware of everything. Iyov reiterates that he’s always believed in the goodness of God. He just grapples with Divine providence.

In passuk 33, Iyov proves that he’s never sinned. “Did I ever cover up my transgressions like people do, to conceal my sin in my hideaway?” I’ve never sinned, not in public and not in private.

The Perek ends in verse 40 with the words “Tamu divrei Iyov – Iyov’s words have come to an end.”

The Metsudos explains that this is part of Iyov’s speech. “I’ve told you of my righteousness, my prosperity, and my suffering. What more can I say?”

The Yalkut Shemoni asks how it can say that Iyov’s words have ended when he’ll speak again. The Medrash answers that Iyov meant, if I have not behaved in the way I said, then let my words come to an end with no further way to defend myself.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily. We’ve made it through Iyov’s major 3 part monologue. In the next perek we will hear from Elihu.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day!