“I am young in years…” Job 32:6b

Those were the first words out of Elihu’s mouth. You’ve got to give the kid credit, he at least kept his anger at bay, while also being forthcoming. He was willing to be vulnerable in his presentation, and the first twenty percent of his talk simply described the thinking which brought him to a point of being ready to face his elders as an equal.

Though Elihu recognized the inferiority of years, he was quick to point out Job’s and the visitors’ age (v.6c). He confessed to being intimidated by their longevity, making him afraid to speak up (v.6d&e). Describing his deference to those older, Elihu said, “I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’” (v.7)

Once the formalities of paying tribute to their age was fulfilled, Elihu posited the foundation of his right to speak, saying, “…it is the spirit in a man, the breath of The Almighty, that gives him understanding.” (v.8) Elihu asserted that the aged did not have a patent on wisdom, nor were they the defining source of all that is right (v.9).

Elihu described how he had attended to the words of Job and his friends while they spoke, asking for the same courtesy during his talk (vv.10 – 12a). Perceiving the inadequacy of the visitors’ arguments to prove Job wrong, Elihu pointed out his arguments against Job would not be a repeat of what the visitors had said (vv. 12 – 14). Elihu’s transparency may have been gotten a bit edgy when he stated, “They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them. Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?” (vv. 15 – 16). Once they had given him their attention, his inexperience may have bought him some leverage in how he addressed them. In any case, he took advantage of the opportunity to put them in their place – whether it be appropriate or not.

Sometimes, simply stating the obvious can give one the advantage in holding the attention of others who have dominated the conversation. The visitors knew all too well that their arguments had proved ineffective to sway Job toward a confession. Perhaps they were willing to hear Elihu out and see what angle Elihu would bring into the dialogue. What do we learn from Elihu?

First, we learn how to wait. Second, we recognize others before insisting on being heard – giving deference to another is polite, while providing an opportunity for reciprocity to be extended by the listener. Third, we are reminded that true wisdom DOES come from God, Who will provide His wisdom through time with Him in prayer and in His Word (read James 1:5). Finally, we are able to learn something that never goes out of style, never becomes outdated, and never dissolves into being irrelevant:  respect to those who have reached old age.

There is much to be learned from one who has lived a long life… even if they squandered it away in worthless pursuits. There is a life story in each person, and recognizing the worth of each one’s story is a blessing to both the giver and receiver.

Have a blessed day…