Job 32:8 But it is the Spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
Years ago, a new teacher joined the faculty. He was just starting out, which was fine. We all start somewhere! He was quite a bit younger than all the other teachers and he had no experience compared to the decades in some cases of his colleagues. Ironically, he was usually the first one to speak up in a teachers’ meeting to share his insights and wisdom!
Elihu was a lot like that. The Book of Job is mostly a long conversation between job and three friends of his. For almost thirty chapters we, the reader, have this ringside seat to their extended talk. Then, in chapter 32, we discover that there was a fourth ‘friend’ present. Elihu is much younger than Job or his friends and has frankly grown tired of waiting for his turn to speak. He is ready to set everyone straight!
The trouble is, he has one vital thing in common with Job and the others: he doesn’t have all the facts. The fascinating thing about the book of Job is that we know the reasons for all that has happened to Job. We have seen what Job and his friends haven’t. So when we hear them in turn, attempt to explain why these terrible things have happened to Job, we can see where they are mistaken. But equally fascinating is that they are rarely completely wrong. There is so much in the book that seems like the truth, yet we know because of the background, it’s not accurate.
Then Elihu, the youngest, has his turn. He has been so frustrated just listen-ing to the older men! He is so ready to share his thoughts! (It’s written in such a way to make us already be shaking our heads at Elihu.) Then, he has his moment. I’ve heard it said, “Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while.” Elihu says that it is God’s Spirit in a person that gives them understanding. He is so right. (Granted, he is about to prove that he doesn’t always listen to the Spirit!)
We gain understanding when we listen to God. We don’t always know the whole story. But if we want to have wisdom, if we want real understanding, we must rely on God. In that regard, we have a huge advantage over Job and his friends. We have the Bible. If we truly want wisdom, we will listen for God’s voice. To hear His voice, there is no greater place to go than His Word! He has spoken there, and we can hear Him! Just be sure when it comes to the Bible - read it AND do it!
Blessings
Pastor Russ
