Job 33:33: “If not, listen to me [Elihu]; hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom.”

December 28th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Elihu was very confident that he understood the ways of God. Without any trace of discernible humility, he claimed to have an upright heart and to possess pure knowledge. He maintained that he was on Job’s side, and “encouraged” him by asserting that God only sent suffering as discipline, meant to bring the person to repentance. And that if the sufferer responded correctly to the discipline, there would be immediate deliverance. The only problem with his theology was that it was dead wrong, Job was not in sin and God was not disciplining him. Elihu’s arrogant attitude made it all the harder to swallow. Like Job’s other 3 counselors, Elihu also failed to be a friend who blessed, and in fact only further added to Job’s frustration and suffering.

As we grow and mature in the Lord, we have to be doubly careful not go the way of the Pharisees, becoming spiritual hypocrites. When we discern that others are struggling or failing, we must use that discernment responsibly, not as an excuse to become mocking critics but rather praying intercessors. We have been called to be friends that bless, not betray. Humility, remaining conscious of our own great need for grace, is our greatest antidote to becoming judgmental and hypocritical.

A pompous deacon tried to impress a class of sixth-grade boys on the importance of openly living the Christian life. “Why do people call me a Christian?” he asked. After a moment’s pause, one eleven-year-old boy piped up, “Maybe because they don’t know you.” Ouch.

“LORD, we are sinners in need of Your grace again today just to walk humbly, being a blessing to others and not a stumbling block.”

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Job 33 KJV

1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. 2Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.  3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. 5 If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. 6Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay.  7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. 8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thywords, saying ,  9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is thereiniquity in me. 10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, 11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. 12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. 13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. 14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,  17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.  18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. 19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain: 20 So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.  21His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers. 23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: 24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.  25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth:  26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. 27 He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;  28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. 29 Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,  30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. 31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. 32 If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.