“…I am like bottled-up wine…” Job 32:19a

Elihu declared he, too, would have his say… telling what he knew (v.17). Though he was able to quell his anger and demonstrate appropriate respect to his elders, he was full of words – moved by God’s Spirit to speak (v.18). He could not hide what was welling-up inside of him – like new wineskins ready to burst (v.19).

When wineskins were ready to burst, it was an indication that the wine had fermented and was ready for consumption. To Elihu, he would find no relief for his anxious heart unless he was given the honor to speak (v.20). He promised to show no partiality, nor seek to flatter Job or his visitors for fear of God’s discipline (v.21).

Have you ever felt like Elihu… that you had held your tongue so long that you thought you’d burst? Elihu had a few hurdles to overcome: his anger (vv. 2 – 3, & 5); his understanding of socially acceptable norms in how to show respect to his elders (vv. 4, 7, & 11); his fear for failing to exercise those norms appropriately (v.6); and knowing just how to articulate his observations and rebuttals (vv. 8 – 9,14).

Yes, Elihu was certain of his time to speak. He may have been formulating his thoughts during the dialogue between Job and his friends. Elihu said he felt compelled by God’s Spirit to speak (v.18b). Would his words prove to elicit a response of repentance from Job? Or will he leave hurt feelings and grumpy old men in his wake? Stay with the story and find out in the days ahead.

This passage teaches us to overcome certain obstacles before asserting one’s right to speak. The Believer is to overcome any emotionally charged issues by de-escalating them through tempered words and genuine respect toward others. As Believers, we seek to build bridges between people as best we can (read Romans
12:9-19). Before asserting an opinion, we are to overcome our personal hurdles and understand just what and how we will verbalize both our observations and feelings in an appropriate manner.

It’s never the easiest thing to do, but we should always, at least, try. It’s really OK to disagree with another, we just don’t need to be disagreeable. I wonder if, at another time unknown to us, Paul used this passage in Job to reinforce the lesson for young Timothy in not allowing others to despise his youth:

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Perhaps, up to this point, Elihu was an excellent example for Timothy, as well as today’s young adults. I do hope this section of scripture will guide us all in seeking understanding between the generations.

Have a blessed day…