1 June Job 32
- Werner Jansen van rensburg
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
In Job 32, a young man named Elihu becomes angry with Job and his three friends for their inability to provide satisfactory answers. Elihu speaks up, asserting that he has wisdom to share, which is from God.
Follow the Word of God
Elihu was a young man who arrived after Job’s three friends had failed to comfort him. He delivered the final and longest speech, expressing his anger at both Job and the three friends. Elihu was angered by Job’s defence of himself rather than acknowledging God’s righteousness. He also criticized Job’s friends for being unable to refute Job’s claims but still condemning him. Elihu emphasised the importance of divine wisdom and understanding, claiming that it is the breath of the Almighty that imparts insight.
Job 32:2 (ESV) “Then Elihu the son of Baruchel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God.” Elihu’s anger is rooted in Job's self-justification. He points out that Job had shifted the focus from God's sovereignty to his own righteousness, which Elihu felt was misguided. Moreover, Elihu expressed frustration with Job’s three friends, who failed to provide any meaningful answers to Job’s suffering. Elihu then offers a vital insight into human understanding, stating that true wisdom comes from the Spirit of God. It is only through God's breath, His Spirit, that people can truly understand the depth of divine wisdom. Job 32:8 (AMP)“But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.”
Elihu’s words remind us that understanding is not simply a matter of human intellect but is a gift from God’s Spirit. We need God's breath to enlighten us, to reveal the mysteries of life, and to understand the deeper truths.
Paul’s view
The Apostle Paul echoed this truth in his letter to Timothy, emphasising the divine origin of Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 (AMP) “All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for instruction, for conviction , for correction , for training in righteousness .”
Just as Elihu pointed out the importance of the Spirit for understanding, so too does Paul emphasise that the Scriptures are divinely inspired, guiding us in every area of life, both in knowledge and in conduct. The Psalmist also underscores the value of God's revelation, describing how God's Word leads to spiritual renewal, providing clear direction and joy: Psalm 19:7-10 (MSG) “The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear, pointing out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree. God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.”
Elihu’s rebuke reminds us that the pursuit of wisdom should not be about self-justification, but about aligning our understanding with God’s truth. True wisdom is not found in human reasoning alone but in the Spirit of God, who grants us the ability to understand and apply His Word in our lives. The spiritual life is marked by a hunger for God's Word, a thirst for His guidance, and a willingness to live according to His will.