What can we learn from Elihu's confidence in speaking God's truth in Job 36:2? Stepping into Elihu’s Moment “Bear with me a little longer, and I will show you that there is yet more to be said on God’s behalf.” (Job 36:2) Elihu has waited patiently through thirty-five chapters of dialogue. Now, with humble boldness, he asks for a few more minutes to champion God’s glory. From that single sentence, Scripture gives us a fresh picture of Spirit-empowered confidence. Why Elihu Could Speak So Boldly • He was sure of the Source. – Elihu’s words weren’t self-promotion; he believed he was conveying God’s own perspective (Job 36:3–4). • He had listened first. – Four men had spoken; Elihu absorbed it all before opening his mouth (Job 32:11–12). • He cared about God’s reputation above his own. – “On God’s behalf” (36:2) shows a defender’s heart, aiming to exalt the Lord, not win an argument. • He trusted God’s character. – Elihu would soon rehearse God’s justice, power, and mercy (Job 36:5–26), grounding confidence in who God is. What We Can Learn • Confidence begins with conviction: if we know the Bible is true, we can speak without wavering (2 Timothy 1:12). • Wait, then witness. Listening equips us to answer wisely (Proverbs 18:13). • Make God’s honor the goal; self-defense evaporates, and courage rises (1 Samuel 17:45). • Bold speech can stay humble: “on God’s behalf” keeps us servants, not celebrities (Matthew 23:11). • Keep growing; Elihu asked for “a little longer,” reminding us that proclaiming truth often takes patient, ongoing conversation (Colossians 4:5–6). Living Out This Confidence Today • Soak in Scripture daily; familiarity breeds assurance (Psalm 119:46). • Pray for Spirit-given boldness exactly as early believers did (Acts 4:29–31). • Step into conversations with a gentle tone yet a firm backbone (1 Peter 3:15). • Guard against pride; remember we are messengers, not authors, of truth (Jeremiah 1:7). • Rest in God’s power to work through imperfect words (1 Corinthians 2:1–5). The Takeaway When conviction about God’s Word saturates the heart, even ordinary believers can echo Elihu: “Bear with me a little longer…” Confident, compassionate truth-telling becomes not a duty but a privilege—one spoken on God’s behalf for the good of a listening world. |
    |