What does Job 35:13 teach about the importance of humility in prayer? Setting the scene Job 35 records Elihu’s response to Job’s struggle. In verse 13, he states: “Surely God does not hear an empty cry, and the Almighty does not regard it.” Elihu highlights a timeless principle: God listens to hearts bowed low, not to self-important voices demanding an audience. Observations from Job 35:13 • “Does not hear” – The Hebrew idea is not mere acoustic hearing but giving heed or favorable attention. • “Empty cry” – A plea lacking sincerity, reverence, or submission; words emptied of humility. • “The Almighty does not regard it” – God, who is perfectly just, refuses to endorse prayer saturated with pride. Humility: the heart God hears • Psalm 10:17 – “You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts.” • Isaiah 66:2 – “But to this one I will look: to the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.” • Luke 18:13-14 – The tax collector’s lowly plea illustrates that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Warning against pride in prayer • Proverbs 16:18 – Pride precedes downfall; it blocks communion with God. • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Opposition from God renders prayer fruitless. • 1 Peter 3:12 – “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Pride is evil’s gateway. Practical steps toward humble prayer • Begin by exalting God’s character (Psalm 34:3). • Confess sin immediately, keeping short accounts (1 John 1:9). • Acknowledge dependence: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Submit desires to His will, echoing Jesus: “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). • Cultivate gratitude; thanksgiving dethrones self (Colossians 4:2). • Practice listening silence after speaking, honoring His sovereignty (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2). Promises for the humble • Psalm 34:18 – “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” • Isaiah 57:15 – God “revives the spirit of the lowly.” • 2 Chronicles 7:14 – When God’s people “humble themselves and pray,” He hears from heaven and heals. Summary truth to take away Job 35:13 teaches that pride muffles our prayers, but humility unlocks God’s attentive ear. Empty words may rise, yet only a yielded heart reaches the throne. Bow low, and the Almighty bends near. |
    |