How can we ensure our words align with God's wisdom, as Elihu sought? Paying Close Attention Before Speaking Job 32:12 records Elihu saying, “I paid you my full attention, but no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments.” • Elihu’s first step wasn’t talking—it was carefully listening. • Proverbs 18:13 reminds, “He who answers before he hears—this is folly and disgrace to him.” • James 1:19 urges, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” Taking time to hear a matter fully lets God’s wisdom temper our words. Submitting Our Thoughts to God’s Authority • Elihu listened “with full attention,” but he also filtered what he heard through reverence for God (Job 32:8, “the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding”). • Psalm 19:14 models this submission: “May the words of my mouth… be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD.” • Before speaking, silently yield your reasoning to God’s rule: “Lord, correct any thought in me that is not true.” Saturating Our Speech with Scripture • Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… teaching and admonishing one another.” • When God’s Word fills the heart, it naturally guides the tongue. Practical helps: – Read a portion of Scripture aloud each day. – Memorize verses about speech (e.g., Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 15:1). – When responding, phrase truth in biblical language whenever possible. Relying on the Spirit, Not Human Cleverness • Elihu stated, “It is the spirit in a man… the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding” (Job 32:8). • 1 Corinthians 2:13 confirms, “We speak… words taught by the Spirit.” • Pause and invite the Spirit’s guidance: “Give me words that honor You and help others.” Guarding Tone and Attitude • Proverbs 16:21: “Pleasant words promote instruction.” • Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” • Even hard truths can be delivered with humility and kindness, reflecting Christ’s gentleness (Matthew 11:29). Choosing Silence When Words Won’t Build Up • Ephesians 4:29: speak “only what is helpful for building up.” • Proverbs 17:27: “One who has knowledge restrains his words.” • Sometimes the wisest, most God-honoring response is no response. Continual Self-Examination A simple checklist before speaking: – Does this align with Scripture? – Will it point listeners to God’s character? – Is my motive love or self-promotion? – Can I say it respectfully? If any answer is “no,” rethink or remain silent. Living Out Wisdom Daily As Elihu modeled, we align our words with God’s wisdom when we listen well, submit to God’s authority, let Scripture shape us, depend on the Spirit, guard our tone, value edifying speech, and test our motives. In doing so, the Lord turns everyday conversations into channels of His truth and grace. |
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