April 23, 2024

Does God Use Young People to Give Good Advice?

Job 32

Carsen Saugier
Tuesday's Devo

April 23, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 23, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 23, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

April 23, 2024

Big Book Idea

God is at work even when we can't see it.

Key Verse | Job 32:4-5

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.

Job 32

Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends

1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. 3 He burned with anger also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.

6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said:

“I am young in years,
    and you are aged;
therefore I was timid and afraid
    to declare my opinion to you.
7  I said, ‘Let days speak,
    and many years teach wisdom.’
8  But it is the spirit in man,
    the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.
9  It is not the old 1 32:9 Hebrew many [in years] who are wise,
    nor the aged who understand what is right.
10  Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;
    let me also declare my opinion.’

11  Behold, I waited for your words,
    I listened for your wise sayings,
    while you searched out what to say.
12  I gave you my attention,
    and, behold, there was none among you who refuted Job
    or who answered his words.
13  Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom;
    God may vanquish him, not a man.’
14  He has not directed his words against me,
    and I will not answer him with your speeches.

15  They are dismayed; they answer no more;
    they have not a word to say.
16  And shall I wait, because they do not speak,
    because they stand there, and answer no more?
17  I also will answer with my share;
    I also will declare my opinion.
18  For I am full of words;
    the spirit within me constrains me.
19  Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent;
    like new wineskins ready to burst.
20  I must speak, that I may find relief;
    I must open my lips and answer.
21  I will not show partiality to any man
    or use flattery toward any person.
22  For I do not know how to flatter,
    else my Maker would soon take me away.

Footnotes

[1] 32:9 Hebrew many [in years]
Table of Contents
Introduction to Job

Introduction to Job

Timeline

Author and Date

The unknown Israelite author of this book presents Job as a person living in Uz (see note on 1:1). Job’s godliness (1:1) matches the ideals of Israelite wisdom literature. He clearly knows Yahweh (1:21). The events of the book seem to be set in the times of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

Theological Themes

The book of Job concerns itself with the question of faith in a sovereign God. Can God be trusted? Is he good and just in his rule of the world? The book shows that the reasons for human suffering often remain a secret to human beings.

In the book of Job, God seems both too close and too far away. On the one hand, Job complains that God is watching him every moment so that he cannot even swallow his spit (7:19). On the other hand, Job finds God elusive (9:11). Though God is greatly concerned about humans, he does not always answer their most agonizing questions.

At the same time, Job’s friends offer no real help. They come to “comfort” him (2:11), but Job ends up declaring them “miserable comforters” who would console him “with empty nothings” (21:34). These friends represent an oversimplified view of faith. They think that all human troubles are divine punishments for wrongdoing. Their “comfort” consists largely of urging Job to identify his sin and repent of it. These friends are negative examples of how to comfort those who are suffering.

The book illustrates that one does not need to fully understand God’s will in order to be faithful while suffering. Those who suffer need not be afraid to express to God their confusion and questions.

Purpose

The book of Job was written to those who struggle with the question of how God can be good when the world is filled with suffering.

The author does not provide a formal defense of God’s justice. Rather, as Job’s friends offer their inadequate answers, the author shows how their reasoning fails. Then, in chs. 38–41, the Lord speaks in his own defense, bringing Job to fuller understanding (ch. 42).

Even during his suffering and confusion, before God finally speaks, Job can triumphantly declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (19:25).

Outline

  1. Prologue: Job’s Character and the Circumstances of His Test (1:1–2:13)
  2. Dialogue: Job, His Suffering, and His Standing before God (3:1–42:6)
    1. Job: despair for the day of his birth (3:1–26)
    2. The friends and Job: can Job be right before God? (4:1–25:6)
      1. First cycle (4:1–14:22)
      2. Second cycle (15:1–21:34)
      3. Third cycle (22:1–25:6)
    3. Job: the power of God, place of wisdom, and path of integrity (26:1–31:40)
    4. Elihu: suffering as a discipline (32:1–37:24)
    5. Challenge: the Lord answers Job (38:1–42:6)
  3. Epilogue: The Vindication, Intercession, and Restoration of Job (42:7–17)
The Global Message of Job

The Global Message of Job

Universal Questions

With its story of one man’s life and suffering, the book of Job raises universal questions. Why do people suffer, especially godly people? Where is God in suffering? Can God be trusted amid suffering? Job’s friends try to answer such questions with superficial and simplistic solutions, eventually earning God’s rebuke (Job 42:7–9).

Ultimately we learn from Job that we can hope steadfastly in our sovereign God. Instead of providing easy answers to hard questions, this incomparably glorious, all-knowing, and almighty God presents to people in all places and in all times the simplest, most powerful, and most universal answer to these questions. God’s answer to human suffering has everything to do with his own infinite goodness and care for his creation.

Suffering in a Fallen World

In the life of Job we see the breadth and depth of human suffering. We see suffering in health (Job 2:7), suffering in the loss of property (1:14–17), and suffering in the tragic death of family members (1:18–19). In Job we also listen in on a discussion in the heavenly courtroom between God and Satan (1:6–12; 2:1–7), in which God delights in the upright life of Job. There we are given a window into the normally invisible reasons for our trials and suffering.

Sin and suffering. Suffering is universal, though the kind of suffering differs from circumstance to circumstance. Sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. There is no such thing as sin without consequences. Sometimes God himself directly chastises his people for their sins. However, Job’s friends are wrong to assume that his suffering is a direct result of disobedience (Job 8:4), and it would likewise be wrong to conclude that all or even most suffering in the world today is divine punishment for specific sins. The speeches of Eliphaz (chs. 4; 5; 15; 22), Bildad (chs. 8; 18; 25), and Zophar (chs. 11; 20) reflect such wrong assumptions.

Common suffering. Another type of suffering is what we might call “common suffering.” This is suffering that affects all people without distinction. It is simply the result of living in a fallen world. It includes health problems from colds to cancer. It includes bad weather, earthquakes, and typhoons. It includes financial struggles, and even death itself. Each tragic incident in Job’s life includes an element of this common suffering.

Godliness and suffering. Not only are godly people afflicted with suffering just as others are, but the godly experience some kinds of suffering due specifically to their godliness (Matt. 10:24–33; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Faithfulness to Christ will bring insult and at times persecution—suffering that could be avoided if we were not disciples of Christ. We see this principle in Job, for it was precisely Job’s uprightness that prompted God to single him out to Satan and then led Satan to seek to afflict him (Job 1:8–12).

Devastating suffering. Job’s suffering is uniquely profound and painful. Some suffering, we learn, defies any category. We discover in Job that Satan has a hand in some of the suffering of God’s people (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; compare 2 Cor. 12:1–10). But even such demonically instigated suffering is not outside of God’s sovereignty. Nor should our focus be on Satan when we suffer but rather on persisting in steadfast faith amid such God-ordained pain. At the very least a lesson to be learned from Job is that our vision and insight into suffering is severely limited. What is not limited, however, is God’s perfect understanding and sovereign control over every event in our lives. In the “Yahweh speeches” of Job (chs. 38–41), God does not engage Job in the details of his questions and complaints. Rather, God reminds Job that God is God and Job is not. God laid the foundation of the earth (38:4); he is God over the seas (38:8, 16), over the stars (38:31–33), and over every creature (39:1–30; 40:15–41:34).

A Global Message of Comfort and Hope

The almighty, all-good God. Despite its focus on challenges and sufferings, the book of Job speaks a message of great hope to the world. We live in a world longing for comfort and hope, and such hope is found in the sovereign God who sees, who is good, and who is faithful. We are not victims of random fate or uncontrolled circumstances. We are loved faithfully and passionately by a sovereign God who works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). The suffering global church can take comfort amid suffering, knowing that God is pleased with our faithfulness to him, even as God expressed delight in “my servant Job” (Job 1:6–8; 2:3). James 5:11 reminds us that God will fulfill his good purposes and is indeed compassionate and merciful toward his people.

No neat formulas. Living an upright life of faith in God does not exempt us from suffering. This was the fundamental misunderstanding of Job’s friends (Job 8:6) and the reason that their “comfort” was so “miserable” (16:2). Indeed, in Job and in all of Scripture we see that suffering is a part of the experience of godly people, and that suffering is also a means for our sanctification. Suffering is a blessing as through it we learn that God’s ways and purposes are much greater than we can know (chs. 40–41). His purposes and faithfulness are much greater than the achievement of ease and a comfortable life; the global church must not make an idol out of worldly comfort and earthly abundance.

The sufferings of the Savior. Job confessed faith in the living Redeemer (Job 19:25). That Redeemer would one day come and suffer for us on a cross. Here we have yet another kind of suffering, the atoning sufferings of Christ. He suffered for our salvation, bearing the penalty for our sin. It is also our great privilege to share in his suffering (2 Cor. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:13). These are not the sufferings of health problems or bad weather or the consequences of our own folly. These are sufferings that flow from our union with and loyalty to Christ. There is a global attack on the righteous, but God will continue to provide sufficient grace to his people (2 Cor. 12:9).He will grow both his people and his kingdom through such suffering as it is endured in faith.

Our Intercession and Mission of Hope

Though God’s righteous anger burned against the three friends of Job, their folly was forgiven in response to the righteous intervention of Job’s prayers (Job 42:7–9). What then is the Christian response to those who suffer—and to those who cause suffering?

We are to intercede for the world, both in prayer and in life. We are to “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4). This comfort must find expression in our ministry and service to those in need both where we live as well as around the world—to orphans, widows, and all those who suffer.

This comfort is most gloriously and eternally known as the church ministers the gospel of new hope in Christ to the world—to the lost, to the downtrodden, and even to our enemies (Matt. 5:44). For the greatest suffering in this world is not the loss of property or even family; it is to be lost in sin, without the living Redeemer.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Job Fact #1: Comfort

Fact: Comfort

Comfort is a key word in the book of Job. When faced with personal tragedies, Job receives no comfort from his friends (16:2). But when God answers him (see chs. 38–41), he finds the comfort he needs.

Job Fact #7: Three cycles of conversations

Fact: Three cycles of conversations

The book of Job includes three cycles of conversations in which the friends of Job offer their comfort and advice, and then listen as Job responds. The first cycle covers chs. 4–14.

Job Fact #15: Elihu

Fact: Elihu

Elihu is the only character in the book of Job with a Hebrew name.

Elihu

Elihu

Elihu rebuked both Job and his three friends. He was angry at Job for defending himself rather than God, and he was angry at Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar for failing to provide an answer for Job. During his lengthy speech, Elihu shifted the focus away from Job to God as the only source of certainty and hope. At the same time, he seemed to overestimate his own understanding, even claiming to speak “on God’s behalf” (36:2). Actually, Elihu didn’t understand the reasons for Job’s suffering any more than the three friends did, and his statements were often similar to theirs. Although there was some truth in Elihu’s argument, his application of those truths and the conclusions he drew about Job were often incorrect. (Job 32:1–5)

Study Notes

Job 32:8 Elihu plays on the words spirit and breath in his early speeches (see also 33:4; 34:14). He probably intends this as a reminder of Job’s earlier plea (see 27:2–3), as he asserts his own right to speak.

Study Notes

Job 32:18–20 As in v. 8, Elihu claims he is not speaking by choice but by necessity. Elihu may be thinking he is like a prophet, but the reader must judge whether he is right.

Study Notes

Job 32:6–22 Elihu’s opening speech repeats what the introductory section has described (vv. 1–5). Elihu directs his remarks primarily at the three friends.

Listen to the Podcast

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Dive Deeper | Job 32

Whether you are young or have only been a believer for a few years, it can be tempting to feel intimidated by those we think are older and wiser. As a student writing to you now, I am tempted to think that what I am sharing isn't "profound" enough. But, as we can see here in Job 32:8-9, years of earthly experience do not give us wisdom, but the work of the Holy Spirit does. In 1 Timothy 4:12 it says, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." Just as God used Elihu to share His truth with Job, God can use you to share His truth with your parents, teachers, bosses, and coaches. All you have to do is be brave and allow the Holy Spirit to work through you.

In addition to Elihu's boldness encouraging young believers, Elihu's initial fear should spark reflection in older believers. Are you speaking or living in a way that discourages young believers from speaking up? 1 Samuel 17:33 says, "And Saul said to David, 'You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth . . . .'" We see Saul attempt to discourage David's act of faith simply because he is young. In the same way, Elihu is discouraged from speaking; and Job's friends neglect to ask for his insight because he is the youngest one. Sometimes, our pride gets in the way of our ability to listen to wisdom or suggestions from younger people. I would encourage you to listen and allow God to work through people that you might not have chosen.

If we try to micromanage the acts of faith others are displaying, we are telling God that we don't think He's powerful enough to move through people we wouldn't have chosen. But we know this isn't true. He's more powerful than we think, and He knows them better than we do, so just trust Him and let Him work.

This month's memory verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

Discussion Questions

1. Describe a time when you were too afraid to speak up or act in faith. Why were you afraid? What does being bold and acting in faith look like?

2. Do you ever find yourself feeling superior to others because of the maturity of your faith? How can a mature faith be helpful? How can this prideful attitude be hurtful to the growth of your faith?

3. Is it uncomfortable to follow the work that God is doing through other people? Is it scary not to be in control?

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MS

Michael Scaman

Job asked for God to show up and explain what his crimes were that deserve this harsh treatment. Perhaps Elihu is a buffer of sorts. God doesn't just show up on demand Neither does God let it go. At this point, Job's friends are angry, Job is angry and now Elihu is angry and can't stay silent any longer and is about to cry out like a tea kettle. Elihu mostly speaks to Job's friends, opening with:: 1. Yes I'm young. 2. Old age does not hav a monoploy on wisdom. 3. I waited and now have a right to speak as you all stopped. 4. No statisfactory answers given to Job by Bildad, Zophar and Eliaphaz. You're out of gas. 5. I have a strong inner compulsion to speak,and ready to bust if I don't. 6. There will be no favoritism or use flattery in my speech. We can rank the 5 people from strongest to least as far as viewing God more like a transactional business partner OPEN_AI ranking the characters in the Book of Job based on their perception of a relationship with God as a transactional business arrangement, from most to least, looks like this: 1. Eliphaz: MOST (as far as seeing a relationshuip with God as a transactional business arrangement) 2. Zophar: 3 Bildad: 4. Job: 5. Elihu: LEAST (but longest stretch with Job's last speech not far behind) The three friends were out of gas with Bildad speaking only 6 verses. Job goes on 6 chapters and Elihu has so much to say he's ready to burst like wine put in new wineskins. Hmmm could it be Jesus drew from this analogy? Elihu's perspective is nuanced and specific,. Elihu agrees with them Job is a sinner yes but differs in his explainations. He emphasizes God's sovereignty, wisdom, and justice, but his speeches focus more on the nature of suffering and the need for humility and repentance rather than on a transactional view of God. Elihu speaks of God's greatness and righteousness but also acknowledges the mystery of divine providence (Job 37:23-24). We might make a song Title: The Ballad of Elihu as if by Bob Dylan (Verse 1) Why is Elihu an angry young man? In the land of Uz, where despair makes its stand. He watched Job suffer, his patience tried, Can't hold back, Injustice and pain, he couldn't abide. (Verse 2) There's a category for the righteous sinner, A paradox of virtue, a truth that's bitter. Thre;s both justice and mercy, Elihu saw it clear as day, In the midst of darkness, he found his way to say: (Chorus) Oh, Elihu, with your voice so clear, You spoke of wisdom beyond your years. In the silence, your words did flow, A beacon of truth in a world of woe. (Bridge) No answers from Bildad, Zophar, or Eliphaz, Their words like ashes, blown in the desert's grasp. But you, Elihu, with your righteous rage, You spoke for the silenced, turning the page. (Verse 3) Righteous suffering, a mystery untold, In the depths of anguish, its purpose unfolds. For trials refine like fire in the forge, In the crucible of pain, true faith takes its course. (Chorus) Oh, Elihu, with your fire inside, You spoke with passion, you couldn't hide. No flattery, no bias, just truth unfurled, In the tale of Job, God quakes the world. (Verse 4) Trembling at God's thunder, both the earth and Elihu's heart does shake, In the whirlwind's fury, our foundations quake. Yahweh speaks, His voice profound, In the mysteries of creation, Elihu's wisdom propounds. (verse 5) As he speaks, a whirlwind forms, God's presence felt in the raging storms. Not El, Elohim, or Eloah, But Yahweh, the name that silences awe. (Outro) God will continue with the mysteries of creation, Relentlessly asking, "Were you there?" provoking humble contemplation. Eloah is a word for God which is mainly 80% of the time only in Job
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Carsen. I love your spirit! One of the things that I tried to teach my kids growing when they were growing up was, if you’re going to fail, fail early. Sometimes they excelled in that advice. So we will disagree on this, but failing early is what I see Elihu do here. He sounds right, and Job sounds wrong, especially to his friends and Elihu, but that’s how the book of Job rolls. In the very beginning the book uses the Hebrew word “to bless” as a euphemism meaning “to curse”. It is sort of a hint of things to come and how to approach some of the ambiguity of the book. Also in the book of Job we know from the beginning that Job suffers because he is too good (Job 1:8). And we know from the ending that he speaks rightly of God (Job 42:7). So, in my mind, when verse two this morning says “He (Elihu) burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God”, Job justifying himself echos God speaking back in chapter 1 verse eight. In other words, God said Job was blameless before Job told his friends he was blameless. Which is what gets Elihu so mad. There are a lot of old guys who write commentaries and many of them give Elihu a free pass on his long speech. And some of those old guys can get pretty upset with youngsters coming along and saying “Job agrees with God when Job says he’s right as he defends himself.” The book of Job can be tough to understand. The book, is, tough to understand. But as for Elihu I would say he agrees with Job’s friends in that a relationship with God is a transactional relationship. For according to the work of a man he (God) will repay him,     and according to his ways he will make it befall him. Elihu speaking Job 34:11 Elihu is also mad at Job’s friends because cause they have no answer for Job. “He burned with anger also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong.” (Job 32:3) If Job’s friends were a little smarter, a little wiser, (Elihu’s opinion) this would be one of their answers. (Read preceding verses for more context.) Men of understanding will say to me,
    and the wise man who hears me will say: ‘Job speaks without knowledge;
    his words are without insight.’ Would that Job were tried to the end,
    because he answers like wicked men. For he adds rebellion to his sin;
    he claps his hands among us
    and multiplies his words against God.” Job 34:34-37 Job speaks without knowledge…he adds rebellion to his sin… Elihu speaking After the Lord had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has. God speaking Job 42:7 That’s how the book rolls.., Carsen, don’t ever be afraid to disagree when you feel as though you have good reasons on your side. Sorta like the old guy Job in this case. “Sometimes, our pride gets in the way of our ability to listen to wisdom or suggestions from younger people. I would encourage you to listen and allow God to work through people that you might not have chosen.” Carsen Saugier A great quote. I absolutely agree with you. I just happen to think that, you, are a better example of boldness and courage in encouraging young believers than Elihu is. Great devo. Great quote. Love the point you’re making. Hope to see you doing more of these in the very near future.
SB

Sue Bohlin

CARSEN! WHOAAAAAAA!!! What an outstanding devo!! Absolutely love this: "If we try to micromanage the acts of faith others are displaying, we are telling God that we don't think He's powerful enough to move through people we wouldn't have chosen." So, hello Elihu! I had to cheat and look ahead into my notes on Job from the last time I studied and taught on this book, and discovered that once God speaks, He doesn't rebuke Elihu like He will Job's other friends. So there's that. But I'm intrigued by his anger in the early verses of his diatribe. I always try to run anger, my own and other people's, through God's awesome question to Jonah: "Do you have any right to be angry?" Usually we don't. The other thing that I see in Elihu is that he LISTENED, all this time, to everything Job said and everything the friends said. He listened a long, long time before speaking. Way to go Elihu! `
AL

Amy Lowther

1. It is tough to share faith in the workplace. But as I study and understand God and Jesus more myself, it becomes easier to share faith at work. Acting in faith looks like being helpful and supportive when there is no help or support. 2. No. Spiritual strength can help in finding position and equality to do good things. It is always valuable to prioritize God and His Values in everything you do. 3. No, it is always good to know God is alive in each and everyone of us. Carsen -Thank you for sharing your ideas. I like how you said, “If we try to micromanage the acts of faith others are displaying, we are telling God that we don't think He's powerful enough to move through people we wouldn't have chosen”. This happens, but we should remember, we can return to God and trust Him. He believes in everyone and loves each of us unconditionally.