Job 32

My son-in-law, Josiah, recently attended a pastor’s event where Chip Ingram spoke.  Ingram is a pastor and author who graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary, as did I. Josiah, a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Seminary, enjoyed one of Ingram’s quips. During his talk, Ingram shared, “You can always tell a Dallas man; you just can’t tell him much!” This reminded me of a line from former Dallas Seminary president Charles Swindoll, who liked to say, “It takes you four years to get through Dallas Seminary and four years to get over it!”

Today, I want to introduce you to a man named Elihu. Perhaps Elihu was a Dallas man. He vacillates between arrogance and expressing solid biblical truth!

Elihu listened intently to the exchanges between Job and his three friends. While Eliphaz argued from experience, suggesting, “Job, you have sinned,” Bildad reasoned from history, asserting, “God is just.” Zophar offered a dogmatic and unoriginal narrative. During this time, Elihu took extensive notes and has much to say. His words are recorded in Job 32-37.

In Job 38, God speaks. Some say Elihu is a buffer between Job’s last words and God’s discourse. Remember how Job ended his argument with God?

Job 31:35
Oh, that I had one to hear me! (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!)

God graciously allows Job time to calm down and collect himself before “the Almighty” takes the stand. Now it’s Elihu’s turn, and he begins his lengthy speech with a wave of emotion.

Job 32:1-5
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. ² Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. ³ He burned with anger also at Job’s three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. ⁴ Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. ⁵ And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.

Here are several things we know about Elihu.

• Elihu was a Buzite, probably a descendant of Abraham’s nephew Buz (Gen. 22:20-21). Abraham’s brother had twelve children. They named their firstborn Uz and their second son Buz. Following those two were Cuz, Duz, Fuz, and Guz… just kidding! Thankfully, after Uz and Buz, Nahor and his wife, Milcah, showed more creativity in naming their other ten children!
• Elihu was younger than Job and his three friends. He likely did not view Job as a friend but more as a mentor, someone he respected. We can assume that while Job and the other men spoke, many people gathered to hear their dialogue, and Elihu was among them.
• Elihu took numerous notes. Throughout his speeches, he frequently quotes Job, attempting to use Job’s words against him.
• Elihu is angry about what he has heard. He is upset with Job for justifying himself instead of God and furious with the other three men for accusing Job of sin without offering evidence.
• While Elihu has insightful points to make, he comes across as cocky. He is like someone fresh out of seminary, armed with a truckload of knowledge ready to dump it on everyone—whether they want to hear it or not! Three times in the first seventeen verses, he announces his readiness to “declare his opinion” (32:6, 10, 17). He claims that his knowledge is like a wineskin about to burst. He tells his captive audience eight times to listen closely or pay attention (32:10; 33:1, 31, 33; 34:2, 10, 16; 37:14). He is intensely passionate about his message!

Job 33:1-5
But now, hear my speech, O Job, and listen to all my words. ² Behold, I open my mouth; the tongue in my mouth speaks. ³ My words declare the uprightness of my heart, and what my lips know they speak sincerely. ⁴ The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. ⁵ Answer me, if you can; set your words in order before me; take your stand.

Elihu shares solid truth, yet his attitude is brash, making him seem like a know-it-all. Elihu’s demeanor sometimes overshadows the hearers’ ability to accept his theology.

Over the next few days, we will consider Elihu’s words. Again, much of it is valid, but let’s stop here to consider an important lesson.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated, “Your actions speak so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”[1] A similar sentiment applies to a self-righteous attitude, a forthright approach, and an insensitive tone. At times, we overlook Elihu’s message due to his arrogance. Let’s be honest: don’t we sometimes act and speak like Elihu?

The apostle Peter was a man who could deliver the truth. And he learned that few people will listen when they feel belittled. Here’s what he wrote:

1 Peter 3:15
…But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect….

The term translated as “gentleness” signifies showing “meekness” and “humility.” Similarly, the term translated as “respect” conveys “a deep admiration for someone.” We never shy away from the truth of God’s Word, even if it may offend some. However, we must always present the truth with humility and respectfulness.

I will conclude with the adage often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Never waver from God’s truth. Be courageous in sharing about Jesus, conveying this message with the Spirit’s love, gentleness, and respect.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Job 32. What do you learn about Elihu?

Talking to God
Ask God to help you communicate the truth with a heart filled with his love.

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and we’ll reply soon. And if you don’t know where you stand with Jesus, we would love to have that conversation with you.

[1] www.goodreads.com