Day 14, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Job 32–34
Judgmental Pride
Note: This Bible study is also available in audio format
Pride is often associated with youth, but it can be present in anyone of any age. We make snap judgments about the behavior of others without knowing all the facts. Hopefully, we will become sober-minded, humble, and better listeners as we get older. How can we avoid judgmental pride?
Job was a godly man, but God allowed Satan to touch his life. Suddenly, Job suffered severe calamities and lost his family, wealth, health, and respect. His three friends came to comfort him, but when he loudly lamented his circumstances and defended his integrity, they misinterpreted it as lying and arrogance.
Job’s friends were unsympathetic to his circumstances and didn’t give him the benefit of the doubt. They thought they knew why he was suffering—he must have committed some terrible crimes against God and man—God only punishes the wicked! Yes, they had spiritual knowledge, but that knowledge puffed them up with pride. They thought they had all the answers.
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar run out of arguments in today’s Bible reading. Then, a younger companion, Elihu, enters the discussion. Whether he has been an unmentioned group member or an outsider who joined the small party, we aren’t sure.
Out of respect for his elders, Elihu waited until Job’s friends concluded their arguments. He is disgusted and angry that they didn’t convince him. Although he is young, he says he has wisdom and insight to offer.
Elihu defends God
He says God is greater than man. Although we would expect a man to defend himself, the Almighty doesn’t have to answer any man—he is beyond all knowledge and wisdom! God is all-powerful and can take man’s breath away if he chooses (Job 34:14-15). The LORD is all-wise and has perfect character—God always acts with justice and righteousness, unlike man.
Elihu hears that Job wants the LORD to answer him, but this young man says there are different ways of communicating besides words. He believes God has already responded to him— Job previously admitted that he had experienced nightmares, visions, and afflictions (Job 7:13,14).
Elihu suggests that Job’s troubles could be for his benefit to bring him back to the LORD. “God does all these things to a man—twice, even three times—to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him ” (Job 33:29-30, NIV). Therefore, Job, your suffering means you have done something wrong. God is causing your painful circumstances, so you will return to him.
So listen to me, you men of understanding [meaning Job and his friends]. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong. He repays a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his conduct deserves. It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice (Job 34:10-12, NIV).
At this point, we might ask, is Elihu’s argument any different from his friends'? No, not really. He argues that God is perfect in righteousness and punishes us for our wrongdoings. However, Job is still left with the same false accusations of evil.
This young man tries to understand God’s higher purposes but doesn’t consider that Job may be experiencing trials and testing for another reason. Elihu feels like he has to defend God, but the Almighty can take care of himself, as we see in the following few lessons.
Elihu insults Job
Elihu then makes another judgment of Job, agreeing with his friends:
Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight. Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man! To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God (Job 34:35-37, NIV).
All of us need to be careful not to add insult to injury. Although our intentions are intended to sober someone, sharing our perspective may cause more suffering. Many young people (and some not so young) have not yet learned this. We need to be humble enough to admit we do not always understand God’s plans and purposes.
Be gentle and understanding, not judgmental
It bothers us when Christians seem to be attacking the God we love and whom they once loved and served. However, when people suffer severe pain or disillusionment, it is better to say nothing than to make their condition worse. We need to empathize and sympathize, not criticize. Sometimes, the best we can offer is comfort and prayer.
We should be gentle and understanding while the Holy Spirit works in the heart of the sufferer to comfort and convince him of the truth. Let’s not be judgmental of things we don’t understand.
Discussion
What attitude should we take when ministering to those in pain?
How can we be real friends to those who are suffering?
Focus Verse
Proverbs 17:27 (NIV) “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
A Sample Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, your ways are above and beyond all. It’s part of the reason we praise you, LORD— You understand everything, the beginning, middle, and end of all matters. We submit our lives into your hands. Please accomplish your will because it’s best.
Give us the daily bread of endurance and strengthen our faith. We trust you to also provide for our other needs. When we don’t see what you are doing, help us to trust you.
Forgive us for our sins if we accuse you falsely. Forgive us for harboring resentment against others who may say the wrong things at the wrong time. And, help us to forgive those who sin against us like you forgave us. May all we do be pleasing for your name and glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Please send your comments to me
Looking Ahead: Our Next Lesson continues Elihu's speech, where he makes Arrogant Presumptions. We can learn from his mistakes.
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