Have you ever felt like your voice was drowned out in the noise of heated discussions, yearning for the right moment to speak your truth?
In Job 33, Elihu emerges from the sidelines with a voice of patience and wisdom, offering insights that speak volumes about the power of discernment and timing in conversations.
Reconnect: In the ongoing discourse between Job and his friends, Elihu’s entrance in Job 32 marks a significant shift in the dialogue. As Job and his companions grapple with the complexities of suffering and divine justice, Elihu’s patient observation and compassionate wisdom offer a fresh perspective that challenges and enlightens.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
Elihu Claims to Speak for God
1“However now, Job, please hear my speech,
And listen to all my words.
2“Behold now, I open my mouth,
My tongue in my mouth speaks.
3“My words are from the uprightness of my heart,
And my lips speak knowledge sincerely.
4“The Spirit of God has made me,
And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5“Refute me if you can;
Array yourselves before me, take your stand.
6“Behold, I belong to God like you;
I too have been formed out of the clay.
7“Behold, no fear of me should terrify you,
Nor should my pressure weigh heavily on you.
8“Surely you have spoken in my hearing,
And I have heard the sound of your words:
9‘I am pure, without transgression;
I am innocent and there is no guilt in me.
10‘Behold, He invents pretexts against me;
He counts me as His enemy.
11‘He puts my feet in the stocks;
He watches all my paths.’
12“Behold, let me tell you, you are not right in this,
For God is greater than man.
13“Why do you complain against Him
That He does not give an account of all His doings?
14“Indeed God speaks once,
Or twice, yet no one notices it.
15“In a dream, a vision of the night,
When sound sleep falls on men,
While they slumber in their beds,
16Then He opens the ears of men,
And seals their instruction,
17That He may turn man aside from his conduct,
And keep man from pride;
18He keeps back his soul from the pit,
And his life from passing over into Sheol.
19“Man is also chastened with pain on his bed,
And with unceasing complaint in his bones;
20So that his life loathes bread,
And his soul favorite food.
21“His flesh wastes away from sight,
And his bones which were not seen stick out.
22“Then his soul draws near to the pit,
And his life to those who bring death.
23“If there is an angel as mediator for him,
One out of a thousand,
To remind a man what is right for him,
24Then let him be gracious to him, and say,
‘Deliver him from going down to the pit,
I have found a ransom’;
25Let his flesh become fresher than in youth,
Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor;
26Then he will pray to God, and He will accept him,
That he may see His face with joy,
And He may restore His righteousness to man.
27“He will sing to men and say,
‘I have sinned and perverted what is right,
And it is not proper for me.
28‘He has redeemed my soul from going to the pit,
And my life shall see the light.’
29“Behold, God does all these oftentimes with men,
30To bring back his soul from the pit,
That he may be enlightened with the light of life.
31“Pay attention, O Job, listen to me;
Keep silent, and let me speak.
32“Then if you have anything to say, answer me;
Speak, for I desire to justify you.
33“If not, listen to me;
Keep silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”
Summary Key Points:
- Elihu’s Insightful Observation: Elihu begins by highlighting his attentiveness to the ongoing debate between Job and his friends. His patience serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most profound wisdom comes from observing rather than immediately engaging in dialogue.
- Elihu’s Humble Approach: Despite his eagerness to share his perspective, Elihu prefaces his words with humility, acknowledging that he speaks from a place of sincerity rather than superiority. His humility underscores the importance of approaching discussions with an open heart and mind.
- Elihu’s Compassionate Rebuke: Elihu’s words are not intended to condemn or belittle Job but rather to offer constructive criticism rooted in compassion. He gently challenges Job’s perspective, urging him to consider the bigger picture and trust in the justice of God.
- Elihu’s Call to Reflection: Through Elihu’s discourse, we are prompted to reflect on our own interactions and conversations. Are we approaching discussions with humility and patience, or are we quick to assert our opinions without considering the perspectives of others?
Call to Action: Let us heed the example of Elihu in Job 33 by:
- Practicing Patient Observation: Like Elihu, let us cultivate the discipline of patient observation in our conversations, recognizing the value of listening before speaking.
- Embracing Humility: Before sharing our own perspectives, let us approach discussions with humility, acknowledging that true wisdom often comes from a place of humility.
- Extending Compassion: In our interactions with others, let us strive to offer compassionate feedback and guidance, seeking to uplift rather than tear down.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom and discernment to approach conversations with patience, humility, and compassion. May our words be a reflection of Your love and grace, guiding us to build meaningful connections and foster understanding. Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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