How does Job 35:12 illustrate God's response to prideful cries for help? Job 35:12—The Core Statement “ ‘They cry out, but He does not answer, because of the pride of evil men.’ ” Setting the Scene: Elihu’s Observation • Elihu points out that some people are in genuine distress. • They “cry out” to God, yet receive no reply. • The problem is not God’s lack of power or care; it is the “pride of evil men.” • Scripture is clear and literal here: pride blocks the channel of prayer. Pride Hinders Genuine Prayer • Pride makes us self-sufficient in attitude, even while asking for divine help. • Psalm 66:18: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the LORD would not have listened.” • Isaiah 59:1-2: Sin erects a wall “so that He does not hear.” • God seeks contrition, not self-exaltation (Psalm 51:17). God’s Silence Toward the Arrogant • Job 35:12 shows that God withholds answers, not out of indifference, but in holy opposition to pride. • Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5 all echo: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Divine silence is corrective—meant to expose the heart’s true condition and lead to repentance. Contrast: Humble Petition Brings Divine Attention • Luke 18:13-14—The tax collector’s humble cry “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” gained immediate justification. • Psalm 34:18—“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” • 2 Chronicles 7:14—God promises to “hear from heaven” when His people humble themselves. Practical Takeaways for Our Own Cries 1. Examine motives: Is my cry rooted in need or entitlement? 2. Confess pride swiftly; lingering arrogance invites silence. 3. Approach God with reverence, acknowledging His sovereignty. 4. Trust that when humility replaces pride, the Father’s ear is open and His hand soon follows. Job 35:12 illustrates that God’s response to proud cries is deliberate silence, but His ear is tuned to the humble who seek Him in truth. |
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