"...I heard the very words..." Job 33:8b

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Though he was young in years (32:6), Elihu had demonstrated his ability to restrain the impulse of anger and wait for an appropriate time to enter the dialogue. He was brought up to respect his elders, but was biting at the bit for his chance to speak. There are several five-word phrases that stood out to me as evidence of Elihu’s growing need to share his thoughts:

  • “I thought, ‘Age should speak’…” (v. 32:7a);

  • “…advanced years should teach wisdom.” (v. 32:7b);

  • “I waited while you spoke…” (v. 32:11a);

  • “…I listened to your reasoning…” (v. 32:11b);

  • “…I am full of words…” (v. 32:18a);

  • “…I am like bottled-up wine…” (v. 32:19a);

  • “…I must open my lips…” (v. 32:20b); and

  • “…Job, listen to my words…” (v. 33:1a).

Elihu insisted Job pay careful attention to him (v.1b), as his words were on the tip of his tongue (v.2a) – words that would be issued from an upright heart (v.33a) and which would be spoken sincerely (v.33b). Elihu qualified himself further by stating the common ground he shared with Job: being made in God’s image (v.4),
from the dust of the ground (v.6). Job had no reason to fear any verbal attack from Elihu, as he stated he would not be heavy of hand in his comments (v. 7).

Once Elihu qualified himself to approach the proverbial round table of wisdom, he certified the truth of his words: being an ‘ear’ witness, saying, “But you have said in my hearing – I heard the very words – ‘I am clean and without sin; I am clean and free from guilt. 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.’” Elihu had been a bystander through the entire dialogue and was citing (in order of his quote) from 10:7; 9:30; 2:9; 13:24 & 27; and 14:16.

The young man exercised great restraint by not interrupting the dialogue between Job and his visitors. Elihu voiced his fitness to approach the table as an equal through identifying with his elders, citing a commonly held truth: we are all made in God’s image, even if we are from the dust of the ground… and to dust we must all return. Such a lowly posture surely allowed the door of opportunity to be opened.

What can we learn from this passage? Young adults can learn that respect and deference really does go a long way in getting one’s foot in the door. There is also a benefit to speaking the truth in love, as well as being accountable for what comes out of one’s mouth. How will Elihu’s words be used toward Job? Find out tomorrow, Lord willing.

Have a blessed day…