In this chapter Elihu is a little harsh and off the mark when he condemns some of Job’s words / theologies / beliefs (similar to how the other friends made incorrect assumptions).
” ‘Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out… There they cry out, but he does not answer, because of the pride of evil men. Surely God does not hear an empty cry, nor does the Almighty regard it. How much less when you say that you do not see him, that the case is before him, and you are waiting for him! And now, because his anger does not punish, and he does not take much note of transgression, Job opens his mouth in empty talk; he multiplies words without knowledge.’ ” (v9,12-16 abr)
Elihu basically calls Job ignorant for crying out to God who will not hear his plea, because he is prideful and evil at heart (the condemnation is implied, but it’s there). Elihu also goes one step too far in proclaiming God is high above people (which is correct) and He is so far removed from us that He barely notices the people and their sin in this world (which is incorrect).
Despite being one of the wisest people in this book, Elihu is not flawless – he has a few holes in his understanding. Isn’t that true of all of us? Most of his theology looks good on the surface (eg. God is high above us), but when you dig into it, there can be flaws (eg. God is far removed from us).
I want to challenge us (myself included) to continually open our (unintentionally) closed minds to God’s teaching and leading through the Holy Spirit. I have come to realize by reading this book that there are a few assumptions I have made about God and my theologies that need review. By review, I mean comparing our beliefs to scripture and the Holy Spirit’s teaching (comparing to the wisdom of this world will not work, that’s part of the problem, not the solution).
We have an advantage over these five men – they did not have the scriptures or the indwelling Holy Spirit, but we do. What’s our excuse for not addressing these things? Probably what Elihu accused Job of – the pride of the heart. I know I have been prideful in some beliefs – “I know I’m right, and you are wrong”. Even if I was factually correct, my attitude was still in the wrong. We need the correct facts, and a right attitude if we’re to offer Christlike correction to those around us (Job’s friends failed on both counts).
I would encourage us to examine our hearts before God and ask Him to point out any areas of pride or false belief in our lives. God will gladly offer us correction, if we open our minds and hearts to His teaching. If we voluntarily ask for correction, He is far more gentle than if He has to force the correction upon us (think about how a repentant child is disciplined, vs. a stubborn child). Please join me in a prayer of repentance from pride, and acceptance of God’s wise correction.
Father God, our Wise and Unmatched King, You are worthy of our highest praise. Father we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Without Him we would be hopelessly lost. Father please forgive our pride and cleanse us of any unrighteousness. Spirit please soften our hard hearts, and open our closed minds to any teaching we need to heed. We admit that we are not always correct in our assumptions, and are in great need of Your wisdom and discernment. Spirit please guide us minute by minute, and hour by hour, so we may gain true understanding of our Father’s will and heart. In the holy name of Jesus our Savior we ask this, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training