Introduction

Job 32:1–10: After Job’s debate with his three friends, a bystander named Elihu comes forward suddenly to offer his advice. (The book of Job does not mention Elihu before or after his speech, and his relationship to Job is unclear.) Elihu is upset at Job for blaming God and at Job’s friends for failing to give Job a good reason for his suffering. As we continue reading from Elihu’s speech over the next few days, note that the book of Job does not dispute Elihu’s basic claims about God; the question is whether they give a complete picture of God’s character and apply in Job’s particular case.

Today’s Key Verse: Job 32:8 GNT

[Elihu said:] But it is the spirit of Almighty God that comes to us and gives us wisdom.

Read

32 Because Job was convinced of his own innocence, the three men gave up trying to answer him. 2 But a bystander named Elihu could not control his anger any longer, because Job was justifying himself and blaming God. (Elihu was the son of Barakel, a descendant of Buz, and belonged to the clan of Ram.) 3 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. 4 Because Elihu was the youngest one there, he had waited until everyone finished speaking. 5 When he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he was angry 6 and began to speak.

Elihu

I am young, and you are old,
so I was afraid to tell you what I think.
7 I told myself that you ought to speak,
that you older men should share your wisdom.
8 But it is the spirit of Almighty God
that comes to us and gives us wisdom.
9 It is not growing old that makes us wise
or helps us to know what is right.
10 So now I want you to listen to me;
let me tell you what I think.

Reflect

Elihu delivers his opening remarks in verses 6–10, and will proceed (in chapters 32–37) to advise Job by proclaiming God’s power and greatness and defending God as the source of all justice. Based on today’s reading, how would you describe Elihu?

Pray

Almighty God, as I study your word, increase my understanding and fill me with your wisdom. Teach me your ways so I may grow in knowledge of you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Job 35:1–16: Elihu continues to advise Job.