Job 33:12 (NASBStr)
“Behold, let me tell you, you are not right in this,
For God is greater than man.
You are wrong! Many would call those fighting words. Many would tell us that in our counseling we should be careful to not declare right and wrong ... there "just is!" However, Elihu is frustrated with Job and his three friends (32:1-6). He is about to let Job know what he thinks of Job's self-righteous behavior and response to his friends. Elihu is not afraid to say what is truth. He is no "feeler" here in his counseling. He is about to unfold a logical argument meant to put Job in the right place and open up the doors for God's voice to come next (Chapter 35 and on). In all the talking of his friends, God did not follow with His voice. Only after Elihu. But, before we understand and praise Elihu's direct approach to Job we have to notice that he first sets the scene properly. Elihu has just struck a cord of empathy and sympathy for Job. Elihu has just told Job that he has nothing to fear from the counsel he was about to give him. We should take notice of how balanced Elihu is in his approach. He makes sure that Job can be safe and then gives him the truth. When Paul told us to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) he might have been reading this chapter of Job prior to writing that thought. The Holy Spirit obviously knows this pure example of that much needed principal. Elihu didn't mind making sure Job was comfortable, but he also didn't mind telling Job he was wrong. That balance in how we talk to others is so imperative if we want to see God's intervention ... which comes after Elihu's wise counsel and wise approach. We need to be as good at how we approach speaking to our wounded and painful brother as we are committed to speaking. Elihu was not afraid to set the table and then deliver the meal. One without the other is just a waste of good intentions. When approaching others, make them feel safe and then make sure they hear the truth.
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