How should Job 34:18 influence our respect for both divine and human authority? The Verse in Focus “Who says to a king, ‘You are worthless,’ or to nobles, ‘You are wicked’?” (Job 34:18) Understanding the Original Setting - Elihu is defending God’s justice and rebuking Job’s careless words (Job 34:1–9, 35–37). - Verse 18 highlights how unthinkable it would be to insult earthly rulers—and by analogy, how much more unthinkable to accuse the perfectly righteous God. - The logic moves from the lesser (human authority) to the greater (divine authority). Respect for Divine Authority - God’s supremacy is unquestionable (Psalm 47:2; Isaiah 45:9). - To charge God with wrongdoing, as Job began to edge toward, is to “darken counsel by words without knowledge” (Job 38:2). - Humility before the Creator guards us from arrogant complaints (Romans 9:20). Respect for Human Authority Scripture consistently roots respect for earthly rulers in respect for God: - Exodus 22:28 — “You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.” - Proverbs 8:15 — “By Me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws.” - Romans 13:1–2 — “There is no authority except from God… whoever resists the authority has opposed God’s ordinance.” - 1 Peter 2:13–17 — “Honor the king.” Practical Takeaways for Today - Honor flows upward: honoring God teaches us to honor those He permits to govern. - Speech reveals the heart; contemptuous words toward leaders often signal a deeper disregard for God’s sovereignty. - Respect does not equal blind agreement, but it does set the tone and limits of our critique. Guarding Our Speech About Leaders Ask before speaking: • Is it true? • Is it respectful? • Does it foster peace? (Romans 14:19) • Would I speak this way if the Lord stood physically beside me? (He does hear every word—Matthew 12:36). Responding When Authorities Fail - Appeal respectfully (Daniel 1:8–14; Acts 25:11). - Obey God rather than men when commands directly contradict Scripture (Acts 5:29). - Pray for leaders, even when they are unjust (1 Timothy 2:1–4). - Commit injustices to “Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Summary Job 34:18 closes the door on flippant speech toward any authority. If slandering a king is improper, maligning the King of kings is unthinkable. Honor God first, and let that reverence shape the way we speak about—and respond to—every earthly leader He has placed over us. |
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