August 9, 2022 – Ps 47, Pr 7, Job 33

I am the same as you in God’s sight; I too am a piece of clay. No fear of me should alarm you, nor should my hand be heavy on you.
Job 33:6‭-‬7 NIV

If you have anything to say, answer me; speak up, for I want to vindicate you. But if not, then listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”
Job 33:32‭-‬33 NIV

Elihu thinks he is being kind and trying to help Job but he is really just as bad as the others. He is conceited in his beliefs that he could be an effective spokesman for God. He has decided that he knows the truth about Job’s situation but he has it wrong. And wow is he wordy. He goes on and on for a few chapters.

My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know. The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Answer me then, if you can; stand up and argue your case before me.
Job 33:3‭-‬5 NIV

“But you have said in my hearing— I heard the very words— ‘I am pure, I have done no wrong; I am clean and free from sin. Yet God has found fault with me; he considers me his enemy. He fastens my feet in shackles; he keeps close watch on all my paths.’ “But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than any mortal. Why do you complain to him that he responds to no one’s words?
Job 33:8‭-‬13 NIV

What can we learn from this young one who gets a too excited and confident in his understanding?

3 thoughts on “August 9, 2022 – Ps 47, Pr 7, Job 33

  1. The thing is we know from the beginning of the book that Job was not wrong when he states that he is upright. From our knowledge of the back story we can see that Elihu thinks he knows things that he knows nothing about in reality. He is saying that because his understanding of things leads to the only conclusion that Job must be wrong when he claims to be free from wrongdoing. So we also know that God did not give him these words to say. He may be basing his words on what the experience has been for him and his ancestors (I think I have a post at a later date) but he is not speaking for God.
    That is what I mean about what can we learn. Sometimes our understanding of a situation may not be the whole picture. That is why it is important to get confirmation when we feel we are hearing from God. And when we get the confirmation we only need to speak to it one time. If God has prepared the persons heart they will receive it. If He has not, all we need to do is share it and then let God use it as He sees fit. To go on and on about it becomes about us not about God.

  2. Toni, I got a different vibe from reading Job 33 He has a friend who he is trying to help and show the way of the Lord. Back then there was no scripture to quote, no stories of Jesus to be told. All he had was his own experiences with God and things that he had seen with his own eyes. He’s trying to bless him with examples of how God works, how the Holy Spirit works and saving people from the pit, even on a deathbed, God is there calling you into the light.

    So he starts with please listen and states of his words are upright and they’re on his lips words given to him by God. How many times have we said “God has laid this upon my heart” or “the Holy Spirit has encouraged me to speak these truths”.

    The bible tells us to speak truth and I think his words were gentle. He was trying to help his friend by giving give some examples as we would have, we would quote scripture and perhaps even share things that we ourself have seen.

    He ends with a plea as we would do to our friends. To speak up, so he can help him or listen and gain wisdom. You have said to me, “tell me the lies you are listening to” then you provide the truth.

    He was being a good friend in my opinion, someone trying to bring the grace of God into a very bad situation that was happening to a faithful man. Trying to be bring peace and light into the complaints of a suffering soul.

    I didn’t mind this chapter we have lots to learn from young people sometimes.

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