How can we apply Elihu's approach to addressing others in our community? Setting the scene Job 34:1 – “Then Elihu continued, saying:” Elihu’s model at a glance • Waited respectfully for others to speak (Job 32:4) • Invited listeners to think with him (Job 34:2-4) • Anchored every point in God’s justice (Job 34:10-12) • Spoke boldly yet humbly (Job 33:6-7) • Sought restoration, not personal victory (Job 33:26) Principle 1 – Wait and listen before speaking • Job 32:4 – Elihu delayed out of respect for age and order. • James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” • Proverbs 18:13 – Hearing first guards us from “folly and disgrace.” Application: In church meetings, neighborhood groups, or social media threads, pause, gather facts, let others finish. This cultivates trust and shows we value people. Principle 2 – Invite others into discernment • Job 34:2-4 – “Hear my words… let us learn together what is good.” • Acts 17:11 – The Bereans examined Scripture daily to test teaching. Application: Instead of lecturing, say, “Let’s open the Word and weigh this together.” Shared discovery prevents arrogance and deepens unity. Principle 3 – Anchor every word in God’s character • Job 34:10-12 – “Far be it from God to do evil… the Almighty does not pervert justice.” • Psalm 145:17 – “The LORD is righteous in all His ways.” Application: When addressing gossip, injustice, or doctrinal drift, begin with who God is—holy, just, loving. His nature gives weight and clarity to our counsel. Principle 4 – Speak with humility and conviction • Job 33:6-7 – “I am just like you… no fear of me should terrify you.” • 2 Timothy 2:25 – Correct opponents “with gentleness.” • Job 36:4 – Yet Elihu remained firm: “my words are free of falsehood.” Application: Admit limitations (“I may be wrong, but Scripture says…”) while standing firmly on revealed truth. Principle 5 – Pursue justice, not personal vindication • Job 34:5-6,17 – Elihu addresses Job’s charge of injustice, focusing on God’s rightness, not winning an argument. Application: When mediating conflict, aim for what honors God and heals people, not for proving ourselves right. Principle 6 – Use Scripture as the standard • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable…” • Deuteronomy 17:11 – Israel was to follow the law “without turning aside.” Application: Quote, read, and apply verses in context. Personal opinions submit to the literal Word. Principle 7 – Keep the goal restoration and worship • Job 33:26 – Restoration leads to joy and renewed righteousness. • Galatians 6:1 – Restore the fallen “with a spirit of gentleness.” Application: Every conversation—whether correcting sin or clarifying doctrine—should seek the other’s reconciliation with God and renewed praise. Putting it to work in our community • Listen first, speak later. • Ask others to weigh matters with Scripture. • Make God’s character the cornerstone of every point. • Combine humility with unwavering truth. • Seek justice and restoration, not personal triumph. • Let the literal Word guide every conclusion. • Aim for outcomes that lead people back to worship and right living. |
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