Connect Job 35:13 with James 4:6 on God's stance towards the proud. The Verses Side by Side Job 35:13 — “Indeed, God does not hear an empty cry, and the Almighty pays no regard to it.” James 4:6 — “But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” The Shared Thread: God’s Response to Pride • In Job 35, Elihu is exposing empty, self-justifying “cry”—the kind that flows from pride rather than repentance. • James 4 underscores the same principle: pride places a person in direct opposition to God, while humility draws His gracious attention. • Put together, the two passages show that pride silences prayer; humility opens heaven’s ear. What “Empty Cry” Looks Like • Self-centered complaints (Job 35:9–12) that treat God as a servant rather than Sovereign. • Demands for vindication without confession (Job 34:5-6, 35:2). • Words without heart—lips that speak need but hearts that cling to self-exaltation (Isaiah 29:13). Why God Stands Against Pride • Pride competes with God for glory (Isaiah 42:8). • It blinds a person to sin and thus blocks repentance (Proverbs 16:18). • It breaks fellowship with others, disrupting the unity Christ commands (Philippians 2:3-4). • By contrast, humility acknowledges dependence, which God delights to honor (Psalm 51:17). Supporting Passages • Proverbs 3:34 — “He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.” • 1 Peter 5:5 — “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Psalm 138:6 — “Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.” • Luke 18:9-14 — The Pharisee’s proud prayer is ignored; the tax collector’s humble plea is heard. Practical Takeaways • Examine motives before praying. Strip away self-justifying arguments; approach with honesty and surrender. • Cultivate humility daily—confession of sin, gratitude, serving others. • Expect grace, not because you’ve earned it, but because humility aligns you with God’s promised favor. • Remember: silence from heaven often signals pride within; answered prayer flows where humility reigns. |
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