[Elihu]
(Elihu was the son of Barakel, a descendant of Buz, and belonged to the clan of Ram.) He was also angry with Job’s three friends. They could not find any way to answer Job, and this made it appear that God was in the wrong. Because Elihu was the youngest one there, he had waited until everyone finished speaking. When he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he was angry and began to speak.
Job’s three friends were only looking at events through the lense of guilt or innocence. It was a false dichotomy (John 9:1-3).
…it is the spirit of Almighty God
that comes to us and gives us wisdom.
So true. Thank you, Almighty God, for the Spirit and wisdom you’ve given me.
Why do you accuse God
of never answering our complaints?
God is not accountable to us!
God speaks again and again,
no one pays attention to what he says.
At night when people are asleep,
God speaks in dreams and visions…
God corrects us by sending sickness
and filling our bodies with pain.
Speak to me, Lord!
Now, Job, listen to what I am saying;
be quiet and let me speak.
But if you have something to say, let me hear it;
I would gladly admit you are in the right.
But if not, be quiet and listen to me,
and I will teach you how to be wise.
Job here is clearly talking to others, winking, being a distraction. 🤣
Job… says that it never does any good
to try to follow God’s will.
Job also falls into a false dichotomy, believing himself to be judged by God. Well, actually he was judged – but for being irreprochable (Job 1:8)! What he was experiencing was not punishment. There’s the falsehood: bad circumstances does not necessarily mean punishment for sins committed.
Since you object to what God does,
can you expect him to do what you want?
The decision is yours, not mine;
tell us now what you think.
It’s actually the questions that push us on towards the truth. Who are we to put ourselves in the place of God?