Elihu Deferred

Synopsis     Job 31:24-32:12     7/12/2021 

As Job finished his reflections, he summed up his position. Namely, Job never trusted in material wealth for security. And he never worshipped the sun, or moon, or false gods. Furthermore, Job never rejoiced in the destruction of enemies.  

In the end, Job claimed that he never hid his guilt. And so, it seemed to him that his suffering was unjust. Accordingly, he exclaimed his desire to have someone mediate justice between him and God.  

Elihu was a young man. He had come with the three friends to comfort Job. However, he refrained from speaking because he was so young. But, once he realized that none of the friends could refute Job, he decided to intervene.  

Elihu’s Defererence 

Elihu was young. Even so, he spoke truthfully to Job and the three friends. Specifically, he pointed out that wisdom wasn’t merely the result of having lived a long life. Instead, it was the result of the spirit of God in man that gives true wisdom.  

Spirit in Me 

Like a fountain of water, God is the source of wisdom. And so, anyone connected to God has access to this font. Accordingly, in conversation, there is evidence that a person is speaking true wisdom and not merely an opinion.  

It follows that my tendency for rash talk and hurtful words have nothing to do with God’s spirit.  

These too, need to be left behind.  

“Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” James 1:19