Day 34 – Chapters 35 & 36

“Your wickedness is for a man like yourself, and your righteousness is for a son of man. Surely God will not listen to an empty cry, nor will the Almighty regard it.” (35:8, 13)

“One who is perfect in knowledge is with you. But the godless in heart lay up anger; they do not cry for help when He binds them. They die in youth, and their life perishes among the cult prostitutes. But you were full of judgment on the wicked; justice and judgment take hold of you. Beware that wrath does not entice you to scolding; and do not let the greatness of the ransom turn you aside. Will your riches keep you from distress, or all the forces of your strength? Do not long for the night, when people vanish in their place. Be careful, do not turn to evil, for you have preferred this to affliction. Behold, God is exalted in His power; who is a teacher like Him? Who has appointed Him His way, and who has said, ‘You have done wrong’?” (36:4b, 13-14, 17-23)

What arrogance, what crassness, what disrespect Elihu has for Job especially and also for his ‘friends.’ He has the audacity to reprove Job and contradict everything God has said about him. His criticisms of Job indicate that he has no intimate knowledge of Job and his life. He is a latecomer to the table that now makes sweeping conclusions without having a clue what is really going on. But in some ways Elihu’s accusations are to be expected when you consider the high profile Job enjoyed in his community. Surely, everyone must have known of his wealth and reputation and yet Elihu seems to think that Job is a fraud that has deceived the people into thinking he is someone he is really not.

Elihu’s reproof of Job is more than a little disappointing. It is maddening, and yet in the midst of his attacks we can still find truth for our way. For instance, Elihu contends that God’s righteousness is more than that of humans (35:2b); God gives justice to the afflicted (36:6b); and, that we should all exalt His work (36:24a). But much of what he has to say is just plain wrong and he has the audacity to position himself as “one who is perfect in knowledge” (36:4b). Talk about pouring salt into the wound. Anyone who has experienced trouble and trial in their life knows full well the pain and frustration of having to sit through the comments, questions, and misconceived, ill-advised counsel of people that purport to know it all. What shall we do in such instances” How shall we respond? First, remember that there are only two that know your situation intimately, you and God. Trust Him more than you do your advisors or even yourself. Second, do not be overly passive as to this point it appears Job is being with Elihu. Learn to speak the truth in love and leave the judging and condemning to God.

Lord, we continue to be frustrated with our situations and circumstances. We look for relief, but none seems to be coming. Help us to handle ourselves, and our circumstances, with greater care and urgency. Give us the capacity to put our confidence in Your hands trusting You to do exactly as you have promised. It is in the name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.