Elihu Condemns Self-Righteousness
August 24, 2019
Commentary
In his third speech, Elihu responds to Job’s claim that righteousness brings no benefit. Job had said he had done no wrong and believed himself right before God, yet his situation did not improve (vv. 1–3). He felt it might have made no difference whether he sinned or obeyed. Elihu answers Job while also correcting the three friends (v. 4). He tells Job to look toward the heavens and consider whether human sin can affect God’s dwelling place (vv. 5–6). His point is that human actions do not change God. Righteousness or sin affects people, not God. It is humanity that gains or loses, not the Lord (v. 8). Elihu insists that righteousness benefits the one who practices it, just as sin harms the one who chooses it. God remains sovereign and unchanged, regardless of human behavior. His character is not shaped by human opinion or limited by human understanding.
Elihu then addresses God’s justice and the cries of the oppressed (v. 9). He reminds Job that God gives songs in the night (v. 10), meaning hope and praise can arise even in suffering. God teaches people more than animals and gives them greater understanding (v. 11). Elihu argues that suffering should lead people to seek God, not cry out to escape pain (v. 12). He says God does not listen to empty or proud complaints (v. 13). Those who accuse God of injustice or speak without humility should not expect immediate answers (v. 14).
Application
I am challenged to check my heart and motives before God. Do I obey Him only to gain something, or because He is worthy? When life feels unfair, will I still trust God’s justice and timing? I want to seek Him with humility, not complain in pride. Today, I choose to walk rightly, believing obedience shapes me.
Job 35:1–16 (NET)
1 Then Elihu answered:
2 “Do you think this to be just when you say, ‘My right before God’?
3 But you say, ‘What will it profit you,’ and, ‘What do I gain by not sinning?’
4 I will reply to you, and to your friends with you.
5 Gaze at the heavens and see; consider the clouds, which are higher than you.
6 If you sin, how does it affect God? If your transgressions are many, what does it do to him?
7 If you are righteous, what do you give to God, or what does he receive from your hand?
8 Your wickedness affects only a person like yourself, and your righteousness only other people.
9 “People cry out because of the excess of oppression; they cry out for help because of the power of the mighty.
10 But no one says, ‘Where is God, my Creator, who gives songs in the night,
11 who teaches us more than the wild animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?’
12 Then they cry out—but he does not answer— because of the arrogance of the wicked.
13 Surely it is an empty cry —God does not hear it; the Almighty does not take notice of it.
14 How much less, then, when you say that you do not perceive him, that the case is before him and you are waiting for him!
15 And further, when you say that his anger does not punish, and that he does not know transgression!
16 So Job opens his mouth to no purpose; without knowledge he multiplies words.”
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