Job 35

Verses 1-3

• Elihu begins by addressing Job’s earlier claims about righteousness, implying that Job has questioned the value of being righteous when suffering seems no different for the wicked and the godly. Elihu paraphrases Job, saying, “What advantage is it to me? What profit do I have, more than if I had sinned?” (v.3).

  • Elihu rightly points out that humans sometimes adopt a transactional view of God, thinking obedience guarantees prosperity. This insight challenges readers to examine their motivations for righteousness.

  • However, he oversimplifies Job's complex expressions of suffering and frustration, misrepresenting Job’s deeper faith and integrity. Instead of offering comfort or seeking understanding, he comes across as accusatory.

• When addressing others’ questions about faith, focus on understanding their heart rather than assuming the worst.

Verses 4-8

• Elihu emphasizes God’s greatness, stating that human actions—whether good or evil—don’t affect God directly but rather impact other humans. He argues that God's ways are above human comprehension, and His purposes are not contingent on human behavior.

  • Elihu reminds Job of God’s transcendence, encouraging humility in the face of divine majesty. This perspective fosters a right view of God as sovereign and not dependent on humans.

  • However, he overstates his argument by implying that human righteousness or wickedness is insignificant to God. While God is self-sufficient, Scripture shows He deeply values righteousness and is grieved by sin (Psalm 11:7; Ephesians 4:30).

• Worship God for His greatness, but also remember His intimate care for your life. Balance awe with the knowledge of His personal involvement. Remember that God is sovereign enough to accomplish His purposes even if you did not exist. But because you do exist, He urges you to obey Him. Your obedience brings glory to Him and avoids harm to yourself and others (verse 8).

Verses 9-13

• Elihu explains that people cry out under oppression, but they often fail to seek God with a sincere heart. Instead of turning to God as their Maker and source of wisdom, they lament their circumstances. He also asserts that God does not listen to empty cries or the proud.

  • Elihu does right to highlight the importance of a sincere relationship with God, urging people to seek Him for who He is, not merely for relief from suffering.

    • Seek God at all times, not only when times are hard, and because you want to glorify Him.

  • But what he does wrong is assume that Job’s cries are insincere or prideful without evidence. He fails to consider that God’s silence may serve a purpose beyond human understanding, such as refining Job's faith.

    • When God seems silent, examine your heart to ensure your prayers are genuine. Trust that His silence has meaning and a purpose. Also avoid quickly judging others' sincerity in their struggles.

Verses 14-16

• Elihu accuses Job of speaking without knowledge and of impatience in his suffering. He implies that Job is impatient, expecting immediate vindication or judgment, and uses this perceived delay as evidence to accuse God of being indifferent. 

  • Elihu does do well to call attention to the danger of speaking rashly about God or being impatient with Him. This is a helpful reminder to guard one’s words, especially in times of distress.

  • But he assumes the role of judge over Job, failing to consider that Job’s suffering may have a divine purpose beyond human understanding. His lack of compassion thus diminishes the impact of his argument.

• Be cautious about judging others' spiritual state based solely on the frustrations they vent during hardship. Encourage repentance from rash speech and impatience, with humility, but also show compassion.