Day 120 – Job: A young man answers

“He was also angry with Job’s three friends, for they made God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job’s arguments. Elihu had waited for the others to speak to Job because they were older than he was. But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily.” Job 32:3-5 NKT

Reading Job 32:1 to Job 37:24

A young man named Elihu, who had been patiently listening to the entire conversation, criticised the three friends for being unable to answer Job. Sometimes people advise from their own perspective, imparting their own experiences into another’s situation.

Elihu mentioned that although Job was a good man, he allowed himself to become proud, so God punished Job to humble him. This was partly true because when we go through suffering, it purifies our faith. But God is beyond our comprehension, and we will never understand why he allows each instance to come into our lives. Our part is simply to remain faithful.

I enjoy the discussions among friends and appreciate the respect that young Elihu had for the elders, waiting until last to express his opinion. Without their input, Job might never have had the opportunity to hear God.

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us friends and even if their advice is not what we need in a moment of suffering, it opens our hearts to hear You. May we value our friends, young and old and appreciate them in our lives. Amen.