Read Job 30 – 33
I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment - (Job 32:7-9).
Elihu had listened as the other friends of Job had accused and verbally assaulted him. He had also heard Job's response to all that had been said to him. Elihu had waited to speak out of respect for the others as they were his elders.
This is not the focus of today's reading. However, there should always be respect shown for those older than you. Many discredit the elderly because of their age. Yet it is because of their long life on earth that they might have something to offer. If you take time to listen, you might be surprised to find there is something to be learned from them. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble (1 Pet. 5:5).
Elihu is angered at Job because he feels Job was justifying himself instead of God. However, his anger was also directed towards the other three friends of Job. He felt they had condemned Job without being able to give a cause. It should be said here that many instantly fault Elihu for his anger. The Word of God teaches us that we can be angry to certain levels. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Eph. 4:26). As this verse teaches, we simply must not allow our anger to lead us into sin. It would be difficult to determine the level of the Elihu's anger.
Elihu speaks the truth in these verses, even though it may seem contradictory to what was said earlier. However, there is no reason that both can't be accurate. It is true that our elders should and do at times offer much wisdom, but, just because a person is older is no guarantee they are right. Job's three friends are proof of that. This is what Elihu is stating here. Simply, he is saying God gives wisdom and understanding. He gives it to those willing to receive it.
Regardless of our age, we should be open to allowing God to teach us. We can do this by hearing from God Himself through His Word. He may also teach us out of the mouths of other believers as they share what God has taught them.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).
Thought for Today:
Remember, when you feel your prayers are unanswered, Jesus said to pray, "Thy will be done."
Word Studies:
30:2 where to, how; 30:4 mallows, plants of the salt marsh; 30:14 wide breaking in of waters, waters gushing through a wide break in the wall; 30:27 My bowels boiled, My heart is continually troubled; days of affliction prevented, every day brings more suffering; 31:10 grind unto, be a slave to; 31:40 cockle, thorny weeds; 32:19 belly, feeling in my heart.
Christ Revealed:
Through the ridicule and affliction which Job suffered (Job 30:10-11). Christ was afflicted and spit upon. After Pilate delivered Jesus to the Roman soldiers, they beat Him, hit Him with an open hand and spit on Him; and then they crucified Him (Mark 15:15-20; Is. 50:6; 53:2-5; Matt. 27:26-31; John 18:22; 19:1-3).
Prayer Suggestion: Pray that people will come to a knowledge of the Lord God (1 Kings 18:36-37).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Ecclesiastes 12:13
