What does Job 35:15 reveal about God's response to human arrogance? Setting the Scene Job has been protesting his innocence, hinting that God owes him an explanation. Elihu steps in, challenging Job’s tone. In verse 15, he pinpoints the real issue: arrogance has crept into Job’s words. The Verse at a Glance “And now, because His anger does not punish and He does not take note of folly,” (Job 35:15) Key Observations from Job 35:15 • God’s anger is real, yet He chooses to withhold immediate punishment. • His seeming “silence” is not indifference; it is deliberate restraint. • Folly—especially arrogant words—does not escape His notice, even when judgment is delayed. What This Tells Us About God’s Response to Arrogance • Patience, not passivity – God’s delay is mercy, giving space for repentance (cf. Romans 2:4). • Awareness without haste – Arrogant words may sound loud on earth, but heaven hears them all (Psalm 94:9). • Certain accountability – Delay never cancels reckoning (Ecclesiastes 8:11–12). • Invitation to humility – God’s restraint is a call to bow low before Him rather than dig deeper into self-justification (James 4:6). Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 3:34: “He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.” • 1 Peter 5:5–6: “Clothe yourselves with humility… humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time.” • Psalm 103:8: “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.” • Romans 2:4: “Do you disregard the riches of His kindness… not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?” Application for Today • Examine speech – Are complaints edging into accusations about God’s fairness? • Recognize mercy in delay – Lack of instant consequences is an opportunity to turn, not a license to continue. • Embrace humility – Actively submit prideful thoughts to God; He gives grace to the lowly. • Await His timing – Trust that He will address all arrogance—ours and others’—with perfect justice. Closing Thoughts Job 35:15 shows a God who sees our arrogance, restrains His anger for a season, and invites us to repentance before inevitable judgment arrives. His patience is profound, but it is never passive. |
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