What is the meaning of Job 35:15? Setting the Scene • Job 35 records Elihu’s reply to Job’s claim that righteous living seems to gain him nothing. • Elihu reminds Job that God remains just even when His actions seem delayed, echoing Psalm 145:17 and Deuteronomy 32:4. • Verse 15 is Elihu’s observation about God’s patient response to human sin. “Because His anger does not punish…” (Job 35:15a) • God’s wrath is real (Nahum 1:2), yet He often restrains immediate judgment. • This restraint shows mercy, much like Psalm 103:8-10—“The LORD is compassionate and gracious… He has not dealt with us according to our sins.” • Elihu’s point: if God instantly poured out full wrath, none could stand (Malachi 3:6; Lamentations 3:22). • For Job, the absence of swift retribution means God is still giving space for reflection and repentance (2 Peter 3:9). • God’s delay is not weakness; it is purposeful patience (Isaiah 48:9). “…and He does not take much notice of folly!” (Job 35:15b) • “Folly” refers to human sin and rash words (Proverbs 19:3; Ecclesiastes 5:2). • God does “notice” every act (Hebrews 4:13), yet He may withhold immediate discipline (Ecclesiastes 8:11). • Elihu warns that Job’s hasty complaints could be counted as folly, but God has mercifully overlooked them so far (Psalm 94:9-10). • This forbearance is meant to lead to humility and trust, paralleling Romans 2:4. • The lack of instant correction should never be read as divine indifference (Habakkuk 2:3), but as an invitation to seek Him earnestly (Isaiah 55:6-7). Implications for Job and Us • Job must not confuse divine patience with injustice; God remains righteous and attentive (Job 34:10-12). • Believers today should – Guard against interpreting delayed discipline as approval (Galatians 6:7-9). – Cultivate gratitude for God’s longsuffering (Psalm 86:15). – Respond to His patience with repentance and deeper faith (James 4:8-10). summary Job 35:15 teaches that God’s anger is deliberate and measured—He often withholds immediate punishment and appears to overlook human folly, not because He is indifferent, but because He is merciful and purposeful. Elihu reminds Job (and us) that this divine patience calls for humility, repentance, and renewed trust in the steadfast justice of the Lord. |
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