King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Monday, January 12, 2026
Chapters: Job 32-34
Message: Job: A Matter of Opinion
Hello My Friend,
As we continue in the reading of Job, we can sort of understand why these three men who were speaking out against Job were suggesting that he might have had some sin in his life that he needed to repent of. They just assumed that if all these bad things happened to him all at once, then he must have done something. Well, after Job had spoke his last words pleading his case, these men were dumbfounded, they just sat there with nothing more to say. They had no more arguments to offer, no proof of guilt, and nothing left to say. Several others were listening, including a young man named Elihu. For a time, he remained silent, which may have been the wisest thing he did. But now, seeing that the older men could not prove Job’s guilt, Elihu decides it is his turn to speak.
[Job 32:1-3 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. 3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.]
From their perspective, no one could suffer so severely unless they had done something to deserve it. They assumed that the sudden wave of calamity was divine punishment. This is where it shows that it was likely Elihu who penned the Book of Job. He not only observed everything that happened from beginning to end, but also appeared to be more in tune with God than the others were. And when he finally speaks, he makes a striking observation: age does not always account for wisdom.
[Job 32:5-10 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled. 6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. 7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. 8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. 10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.]
Elihu does not claim authority over Job, nor does he pretend that his youth gives him insight the others lack. Instead, he openly admits that what he is about to say is his opinion. It is quite clear that he had been wanting to speak for some time, but he waited until the older men had exhausted their arguments.
[Job 32:16-22 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) 17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion. 18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. 19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. 20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. 21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. 22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.]
My goodness, he is already going down a spiral with that statement, the misconception that God will strike you down if you favor someone over another. Although it is true that we are not to be biased or have respect of persons toward anyone. His intentions may be sincere, but his emotions are already running ahead of his wisdom. He has listened, he has simmered, and now everything he has been thinking is pouring out at once. The more he talks, the more confident he becomes in his own perspective and even starts bragging on himself.
[Job 33:1-6 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. 2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. 5 If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. 6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay.]
Elihu believes that he is speaking on God’s behalf. He was referring to the spirit of life that God breathes into the nostrils of every living being. We truly are but dust formed by God Himself but those who humble themselves to admit they are sinners and seek Christ become living souls upon their faith in Him as God breathes the Holy Spirit into them, [Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.]
We do have the right to prove our faith, and no one has the authority to force us into believing that we are guilty of something we did not do. Job never claimed to be sinless; he simply maintained that he had done nothing to justify the overwhelming suffering that had fallen upon him. Elihu, however, suggests that God was speaking to Job, but that Job could not hear Him because pride was getting in the way.
[Job 33:8-9,12-17 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, 9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. 12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. 13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. 14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.]
God does indeed open our ears and our eyes to His ways and purpose for our lives through the Holy Spirit. And He certainly does hide our pride from us once we get chastened a time or two. This was Elihu’s misguided attempt to show Job that good works are what saves us and even goes on to suggest that God sent him to be a messenger to deliver him from the pit.
[Job 33:23-30 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: 24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. 25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth: 26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. 27 He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; 28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. 29 Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.]
We actually do have a messenger who is definitely one in a thousand to deliver us from going down to the pit and that of course is Jesus, [Romans 8:33-34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.]
Elihu, believed that if Job just came clean and admitted that his justifying himself was the sin above all sins, then he would be justified. He also believed that Job’s friends were not successful in convincing him that he was not justified because they too were unwise about God. Now, Elihu turns to the men, he actually upbraids them for not convincing him of his sin.
[Job 34:2-7,10-11 Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. 3 For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. 4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. 5 For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment. 6 Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. 7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? 10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. 11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.]
Elihu, formed his opinion based on what he thought he heard from the men’s response as opposed to what Job actually said. Elihu, is basically implying what the rest of them were, that Job is getting what he deserved, and goes on to suggest that the reason he felt like he was in the dark was because he was hiding his sin.
[Job 34:17-23 Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just? 18 Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly? 19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. 20 In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand. 21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. 22 There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23 For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.]
Okay, there is some truth to what Elihu says here, God’s mercies are great and if He thought otherwise then none of us would be here today. However, we are not given what we deserve, in fact, we are all given less of the punishment than we deserve for our sin. It is Jesus who has delivered us from more than we deserve as even on our best day we come short of being justified of ourselves, [Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.]
Elihu is also saying that God will never give you more than you can handle if you truly are righteous. This is incorrect as the most devout Christians are put through the ringer. This is not God sending judgment or chastening, this is known as divers temptations, [James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.]
Elihu, even goes on to give Job a little pep talk that chastisement is a good thing, then goes on to say that he has turned from God and is oblivious to what He is trying to show him.
[Job 34:31-37 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: 32 That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. 33 Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest. 34 Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me. 35 Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. 36 My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. 37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.]
You see, Elihu, is basing his opinion on what he sees as right in his own eyes. From the bottom of his heart, he truly believes that God has given him this knowledge. This is why God have us His Word, so that we would have a better understanding of sin, and above all that His ways are not ours, [Isaiah 55:6-9 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You, for justifying me through my faith alone in Your Son. I understand affliction is not always a result of some hidden sin, it is about trusting You and believing that I will endure and be saved. I know what it feels like to be judged by others, to have them form some opinion on me. Lord, help me to respond to these accusations with the true knowledge that You have given me. Also, let me not form opinions of others by hearsay, but learn the facts and truth before I comment on what is actually going on. Let me not lean on my own understanding, but totally on Yours. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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