How does Elihu's courage in Job 32:17 inspire us to speak truth today? Setting the Scene Job’s friends have spoken; Job has defended himself. Elihu, younger and respectful, has waited. Now “I also will answer my share; I too will declare my opinion” (Job 32:17). A Closer Look at Job 32:17 • “I also will answer” – the Hebrew carries the idea of resolve, not mere impulse. • “my share” – Elihu sees a duty, not a spotlight. • “declare my opinion” – literally, “make known my knowledge,” showing confidence that God’s truth can be articulated clearly. Why Elihu’s Courage Matters • He speaks after elders have fallen silent; courage often means going second, not first. • He fears God more than human disapproval (Job 32:1–2, 6). • He believes truth deserves a voice even when misunderstood (Job 32:3–4). Common Barriers We Face Today • Fear of offending others • Reluctance to challenge respected voices • Doubt that one’s age, status, or background grants “permission” to speak • Cultural pressure to value harmony over truth Lessons We Can Imitate 1. Respect precedes rebuke – Elihu listens first (Job 32:4). 2. Truth outranks tradition – When older men falter, a younger believer may need to speak (Jeremiah 1:6–9). 3. Spirit‐given boldness replaces self‐confidence – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Practical Steps for Speaking Truth Today • Saturate your mind with Scripture so truth flows naturally (Colossians 3:16). • Pray for discernment about timing; Elihu waited, then spoke (Ecclesiastes 3:7b). • Speak in love, not anger—Elihu’s zeal is directed at error, not personal offense (Ephesians 4:15). • Start with what is right before addressing what is wrong, just as Elihu affirms God’s justice before critiquing Job (Job 34:10–12). • Accept that obedience may be misunderstood; courage values faithfulness over approval (Acts 4:19–20). Scriptures That Echo Elihu’s Boldness • Proverbs 28:1 – “The righteous are as bold as a lion.” • Isaiah 50:7 – “Therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” • Matthew 10:27 – “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight.” • 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks…” Closing Thoughts Elihu models a humble, Scripture-anchored courage that steps forward when silence would betray truth. His example urges us to listen carefully, weigh our words prayerfully, and then speak faithfully—trusting that the same God who emboldened a young man in Job’s day empowers His people to declare His unchanging truth now. |
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