Is God Good (Job 36)

Does creation prove to us that God is good? Do we trust Him even when we suffer? Let’s look at Job 36.

Does Elihu defend God’s righteousness regardless of Job’s circumstances?

Elihu responded again and said: “Be patient with me a moment longer, and I’ll show you that there’s more to say on God’s behalf. I’ll take what I know to its logical conclusion and ascribe righteousness to my Creator, because what I have to say isn’t deceptive, and the one who has perfect knowledge is with you.” (Job 36:1-4 ISV)

Does Elihu seem to think that God always punishes the wicked and blesses the rights of the poor in this life? Does Elihu seem to think that the righteous reign with kings here and now?

Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. (Job 36:5-7 KJV)

Do life’s short-term circumstances always depict God’s long-term blessings and cursings?

And if they are bound in fetters, And are caught in the cords of affliction, Then He declares to them their work And their transgressions, that they have magnified themselves. He opens their ear to discipline, And says that they return from wickedness. If they hear and serve Him, They will end their days in prosperity And their years in pleasures. (Job 35:8-11 LSB)

Does Elihu seem to have a short-term view of God’s punishment of the wicked?

But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword, And die without knowledge. But the godless in heart nurture anger; They do not call for help when He binds them. They die in youth, And their life perishes among the cult prostitutes. He rescues the afflicted in their misery, And opens their ears in time of oppression. Then indeed, He induced you away from the mouth of distress, And instead of it, a broad place with no constraint; And your table was full of rich food. (Job 35:12-16 NASB)

Does Elihu seem to believe the same as his three older friends, that Job is receiving God’s just judgment for his sins?

But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have taken hold of you. Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside. Would your wealth or even all your mighty efforts sustain you so you would not be in distress? Do not long for the night, to drag people away from their homes. Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction. (Job 35:17-21 NIV)

Does Elihu suggest that nobody who sees God’s creation says that he has done wrong?

Behold, God is exalted by His power; Who teaches like Him? Who has assigned Him His way, Or who has said, ‘You have done wrong’? Remember to magnify His work, Of which men have sung. Everyone has seen it; Man looks on it from afar. (Job 35:22-25 NKJV)

Does God control the marvelous cyclic nature of water evaporating and raining back down accompanied by lightning and thunder?

Look, God is greater than we can understand. His years cannot be counted. He draws up the water vapor and then distills it into rain. The rain pours down from the clouds, and everyone benefits. Who can understand the spreading of the clouds and the thunder that rolls forth from heaven? See how he spreads the lightning around him and how it lights up the depths of the sea. By these mighty acts he nourishes the people, giving them food in abundance. He fills his hands with lightning bolts and hurls each at its target. The thunder announces his presence; the storm announces his indignant anger. (Job 35:26-33 NLT)

Did Jesus teach that God’s pruning process sometimes causes us pain? Do we trust Him?

I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:1-2 WEB)

Does creation prove to us that God is good? Do we trust Him even when we suffer? You decide!