In this chapter Elihu speaks up and begins his long, yet wise speech. This speech is probably my favorite part of the book – in it Elihu, who has remained silent until this point, rebukes Job’s friends, corrects Job (correctly, not ignorantly), and praises God. Let’s dig into the first part, as he begins to rebuke Zophar, Bildad, and Eliphaz.
“Then Elihu… burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. He burned with anger also at Job’s three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. ‘I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you. I said, “Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.” But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your wise sayings, while you searched out what to say. I gave you my attention, and, behold, there was none among you who refuted Job or who answered his words. Beware lest you say, “We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not a man.” He has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your speeches.’ ” (v2-3,6b-8,11-14 abr)
So Elihu, who silently listened to the older, supposedly wiser Job and his friends, finally can’t contain his righteous anger any longer and speaks the words God is putting on his heart – words of correction, truth and wisdom. There is far too much in what Elihu speaks to break it all down in detail here, so I’ll try to keep it as a brief overview.
Elihu correctly states:
– Job’s friends, though accusatory of Job, did not prove that Job was in the wrong
– He is younger, and it is culturally assumed he is less wise than the others
– Wisdom and understanding come from God, not necessarily from one’s age
– It is foolishness to believe yourself to be wise (a truly wise person knows they are not wise)
– God has provided Elihu words of correction for everyone involved, except Elihu who does not need correction
I am reminded of Paul and Timothy in the NT – Timothy is called to pastor a church, and Paul realizes people may not listen to him because of his age: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. …devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have…” (1 Tim 4:12-14a abr) God gave Timothy the skills / gifts to lead others well, just as He gave Elihu the wisdom and words to lead Job and his friends well, despite their apparent lack of age.
When God gives us a calling / ministry, nothing is to stop us from obeying, no matter what our culture or peers may say. God gives us exactly what we need to fulfill His calling – wisdom, truth, boldness, resources, etc.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deu 31:6) “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim 1:6-7) And of course, there’s the classic verse: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Php 4:13)
My encouragement for today is follow in Elihu’s and TImothy’s footsteps – be respectful and patient with those around us, yet follow God’s leading and don’t let other’s potential opinions of us prevent our obedience. I believe some of the blessings God wishes to bestow on us are lost, when we don’t obey His leading out of fear. Elihu and Timothy were not afraid to follow God’s leading, and I encourage us to be bold as well. Let’s be an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Father God, our Lord and King, holy is Your name. Father, thank you for Your promise to give us a spirit of boldness, not timidness. Thank you for Your indwelling Holy Spirit who provides wisdom and truth into our circumstances. Thank you for the example of Jesus who led others well in His conduct, speech and love. Thank you for the gift of Your Word which gives us material for correction and teaching. Thank you for being our Lord, Savior, Guide, Strength in Weakness, and our Ever-Present Help in Trouble. May we learn to fully rely on You in all circumstances, trusting Your Spirit to work through us and minister to those around us. In the awesome name of Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training