A GODLY VIEW OF MORAL CLEANNESS

Job's Covenant With His Eyes

Another integrity keeper was Job.  During the trials brought on him by the Devil, Job reviewed his life and declared himself willing to undergo severe punishment if he had violated, among other things,  Jehovah's principle of sexual morality.  Job said:  "A covenant I have concluded with my eyes.  So how could I show myself attentive to a virgin?"  (Job 31:1)  By this, Job meant that in his determination to keep integrity to God, he had resolved  to avoid even gazing lustfully at a woman.  Of course, he would see women in daily life and would likely help them if they needed assistance.  But as to being attentive in the sense of pursuing romantic objectives, that was off-limits.  Before his trials began, he had been a man of great wealth, "the greatest of all the Orientals."  (Job 1:3) He did not, however, use the power of wealth to attract many women.  Clearly, he never toyed with the prospect of indulging in illicit sexual relations with younger women.

Thus, through good times as well as hard times, Job showed moral integrity.  Jehovah observed this and blessed him richly.  (Job 1:10; 42:12)  What a fine example Job is for married Christians, both men and women!  No wonder Jehovah loved him so!  In contrast, the behavior of many today closely resembles what  happened in Malachi's day.  That prophet decried the way many husbands deserted their mates, often to marry younger women.  Jehovah's altar was covered with tears of abandoned wives, and God condemned those who thus "dealt treacherously" with their mates. -Malachi 2:13-16.

Next time: A Chaste Young Woman

Watchtower, 2000