Did I say, Bring to me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?
Bring unto me.
Job 42:11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.
1 Samuel 12:3 Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.
Acts 20:33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
‘Give me something;
Job emphasizes that he has not asked for material support or assistance from his friends. This reflects the cultural value of self-reliance and honor in ancient Near Eastern societies, where asking for help could be seen as a sign of weakness or dependency. Job's assertion underscores his previous status as a respected and wealthy man who was able to provide for himself and others, as seen in Job 1:3, where he is described as the greatest man among all the people of the East.
offer me a bribe from your wealth;
Here, Job denies ever having solicited a bribe, which would imply corruption or manipulation. In biblical times, bribery was condemned as unjust and contrary to God's law, as seen in passages like Exodus 23:8 and Deuteronomy 16:19. Job's statement serves to reinforce his righteousness and the unjust nature of his suffering. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate integrity of Jesus Christ, who, despite being tempted, never succumbed to corruption or sin (Hebrews 4:15). Job's integrity in the face of false accusations can be seen as a type of Christ, who was also falsely accused and yet remained blameless.
Job begins with a rhetorical question that highlights his innocence. He reminds his friends that, in all their years of knowing him, he has never begged for favors. Much like Samuel’s public declaration of integrity (1 Samuel 12:3) or Paul’s refusal to covet anyone’s silver or gold (Acts 20:33-35), Job can point to a spotless record. His words echo later in the chapter when he pleads, “Look at me and be appalled; put your hand over your mouth” (Job 21:5). In essence:
• He is calling for honest testimony about his life.
• He invites scrutiny, confident it will vindicate him (Job 6:28-30).
• He sets the stage to contrast his own character with the accusations he is hearing.
Job has never asked his friends for a handout. Even at his lowest, he isn’t appealing for material relief. Proverbs 30:7-9 warns about the dangers of craving riches, and Job embodies the balanced heart Solomon sought: content in plenty, steadfast in want. Like Elisha refusing Naaman’s gifts (2 Kings 5:15-16) and Paul learning to be content in every circumstance (Philippians 4:11-13), Job models trust in God rather than dependence on man. His statement underscores:
• His integrity—he won’t manipulate relationships for gain.
• His confidence that God, not people, is his provider (Job 1:21).
• A gentle rebuke: “I asked for comfort, not cash—why treat me as a beggar?”
The word “bribe” exposes the ugliness of what Job’s friends are implying. Job insists he has never sought to influence anyone’s judgment through under-the-table payments. Scripture consistently condemns bribes (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19; Proverbs 17:23). In New Testament language, leaders must shepherd “not for shameful gain” (1 Peter 5:2). By denying any pursuit of a bribe, Job declares:
• He hasn’t tried to buy sympathy or silence.
• His plea is for justice, not preferential treatment (Job 13:18).
• He values righteousness above reputation or restoration of wealth.
Job’s friends are still prosperous; he is penniless. Yet he points out he never leveraged their resources. Psalm 62:10 warns, “If wealth increases, do not set your heart on it,” a truth Job practiced when he was rich (Job 29:12-16) and when destitute (Job 1:21). His words subtly challenge his friends:
• Your possessions can’t solve my pain; only true comfort can.
• Wealth is God-given stewardship, not bargaining chips (James 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 6:6-10).
• Real friendship offers presence and compassion, not payouts.
Job 6:22 highlights Job’s transparent integrity. He has never begged, schemed, or bribed; he simply longs for understanding. By protesting, “Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth’?” he reminds his friends—and us—that genuine righteousness neither exploits others nor depends on worldly riches. True comfort flows from compassion grounded in truth, pointing every sufferer back to the faithful provision of God.
(22) Did I say, Bring unto me?--"It is not as though I had abused your former kindness. I never laid myself under obligations to you; I never asked for your help before. Had I done so, I might have wearied out your patience, and brought upon myself your present conduct justly; but you cannot convict me of this."Verse 22. - Did I say, Bring unto me? The meaning is probably - If this be the case, if ye are afraid of helping me, why have ye come? Did I ask for your aid? No. I neither requested you to bring me anything for myself, nor to make a present to any one on my behalf; much less did I call upon you to deliver me out of the hand of my enemies, to chastize the Chaldeans and the men of Sheba (Job 1:15, 17), and recover. from them my property. No; I asked nothing at all of you; but when you came voluntarily, I did expect your pity (ver. 14). Or, Give a reward for me of your substance? i.e. give a present on my behalf to some influential person, who might thereupon take up my cause and befriend me. There is no need of supposing a "bribe" to be meant.