JOB 32–33

JOB 32–33

JOB 32–33

Anger. Elihu was polite in his waiting and kind in his speaking, but he was an angry young man (32:1–5). He was angry with Job for accusing God and with the three friends for failing to convince Job of his sins. Elihu agreed with their view that Job was a sinner, but he disagreed with their arguments. We must beware when our speech is motivated by self-righteous anger.

Pride. As the youngest man in the group, Elihu knew his place, but he was still quite sure of himself. The discussion needed his opinion (32:6, 10, 17) because everybody else was wrong. He was bursting with words (32:18–20) and could not hold them in. That is the time to ask God for self-control and wisdom, lest your words do more harm than good.

Knowledge. Elihu was sure he was right and challenged Job to refute him (33:1–8). He had not yet learned that Job needed understanding and love and not accusations and arguments. Like the three friends, Elihu had a great many facts in his mind but very little truth in his heart.

He quoted Job’s own words (33:9–11) and explained that God owed him no explanation of what He was doing (33:13). God may speak in dreams (33:14–18), in trials (33:19–30), and through people (33:31–33). God had used all three in Job’s life, and Job had rejected them! No wonder Job was miserable!

God may indeed teach us valuable lessons at night, in times of pain. Are we listening?

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