Read Job 34:1-22
Highlights:
Elihu's accusations continued.
My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end . . . For he addeth rebellion unto his sin . . . and multiplieth his words against God (Job 34:36-37).
When Job's three friends had nothing more to say, Elihu began to speak. He agreed that Job was a helpless sinner. But he also said that Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar were self-appointed judges who had failed to prove their charges against Job. We will face many people like this in life. Our enemy, the devil, has used situations like this over the years, often casuing dissension in the church seeking to destroy God's work. The Lord is clear on his attitude toward condemation of others. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things (Rom. 2:1).
It is no wonder that Jesus warns of the inability of a divided kingdom to survive. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand (Matt. 12:25).
Elihu assumed God was not hearing Job; therefore, he appointed himself as intercessor for Job, saying: Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead (Job 33:6).
Elihu was so self-confident that in the first 8 verses of chapter 33, the words my, me and I are used nineteen times. But he was interrupted by the wrath of the Almighty who said: Who is this that darkeneth (confuses) counsel by words without knowledge? (38:2). It is important to safeguard ourselves against being so prideful that we become ineffective to God's Kingdom. Remember, it is not ours but God's plan we are striving to see come to fruition. It is Jesus we are sharing and not ourselves. He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).
Counselors may have all the degrees and qualifications the world can give, but unless their advice is in harmony with God's Word it is darkened counsel. In any advice we give, it is exceedingly important to consult the Word of God. What better counsel can we offer than to share Scriptures that give direction to our lives? Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Col. 3:16).
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (Ps. 1:1).
Thought for Today:
Judging and criticizing another Christian is a serious sin because we have no way of knowing how God is working in the heart of His child.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who watches how we live and what we do (Job 34:21). The Lord keeps His eyes on the righteous (I Pet. 3:12).
Word Studies:
34:36 wicked men, evil men; 36:8 holden, held fast; 36:16 no straitness, no restraint or restriction; 36:23 enjoined, appointed; 36:33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour, His thunder announces the coming storm; even the cattle make known its approach; 37:10 straitened, frozen; 37:22 terrible, awesome.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Bob Dold (IL) and Justice Clarence Thomas (US Supreme Court) • Country: Jamaica (3 million) in the West Indies • Major languages: English and Creole • Religious freedom • 78% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 7% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: The Lord is a shield for you in times of trouble (Ps. 3:1-3).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Ecclesiastes 12:13
