As we age we often go quiet because our wisdom is not wanted, but in the midst of blunt confrontation, can there also be some wisdom in youth? Let’s look at Job 33.
Did Elihu turn his attention to Job and speak with blunt sincerity?
Now please listen to what I have to say, Job. Listen to every word! Look! I’ve begun to speak, and I’m fashioning my words. I speak from the innocence of my heart; and my lips will utter what I sincerely know. (Job 33:1-3 ISV)
Does Elihu want to now challenge Job but not be heavy on him?
The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. (Job 33:4-7 KJV)
Why does Elihu say that Job is not right in his defense of himself, because God is always right?
Surely you have spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the sound of your speech: ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no guilt in me. Behold, He finds reasons for opposition against me; He counts me as His enemy. He puts my feet in the stocks; He keeps watch over all my paths.’ Behold, let me answer you; you are not right in this, For God is greater than mortal man. (Job 33:8-12 LSB)
Did Elihu ask Job why he complained to God who warns men to keep them from destructive sin?
Why do you complain to Him That He does not give an account of all His doings? Indeed God speaks once, Or twice, yet no one notices it. In a dream, a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls on people, While they slumber in their beds, Then He opens the ears of people, And horrifies them with warnings, So that He may turn a person away from bad conduct, And keep a man from pride; He keeps his soul back from the pit, And his life from perishing by the spear. (Job 33:13-18 NASB)
Does Elihu actually agree with Job’s other friends, that he is being chastened for sin?
Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in their bones, so that their body finds food repulsive and their soul loathes the choicest meal. Their flesh wastes away to nothing, and their bones, once hidden, now stick out. They draw near to the pit, and their life to the messengers of death. (Job 33:19-22 NIV)
Are we grateful for the messenger that warns us about sin and saves us from hell?
If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness, Then He is gracious to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom’; His flesh shall be young like a child’s, He shall return to the days of his youth. He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness. Then he looks at men and says, ‘I have sinned, and perverted what was right, And it did not profit me.’ He will redeem his soul from going down to the Pit, And his life shall see the light. (Job 33:23-28 NKJV)
Does Elihu implore Job to listen to him because he wants the best for Job? Does he sound a little bit arrogant?
Yes, God does these things again and again for people. He rescues them from the grave so they may enjoy the light of life. Mark this well, Job. Listen to me, for I have more to say. But if you have anything to say, go ahead. Speak, for I am anxious to see you justified. But if not, then listen to me. Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom! (Job 33:29-33 NLT)
Is there a certain amount of truth to what Elihu is saying?
You have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, “My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Heb 12:5-6 WEB Prov 3:11-12)
As we age we often go quiet because our wisdom is not wanted, but in the midst of blunt confrontation, can there also be some wisdom in youth? You decide!
