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: Sunday, January 12, 2025
Chapters: Job 32-34
Message: Job: Opinion or Truth
Hello My Friend,
The closer we get to Jesus returning the more we as saved, born again Christians come to understand the importance of having God’s Word among us and praise God that He through the Holy Spirit teaches us how to interpret the Scriptures. And as I was reading the chapters for today, this passage came to mind.
[Acts 18:24-26 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.]
So many people know of God, but do not know Him personally and if we are saved and not in His Word we do ourselves a disservice for attempting to get by without reading one word. Yes, we have preachers, teachers, missionaries, and evangelists to help us interpret what the Bible says, but they are human so we cannot rely totally on their interpretation, we need to study it for ourselves so that we might know the ways of God more perfectly, [2 Timothy 2:14-16 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.]
After Job’s long parable, his three friends had nothing more to say because he believed that he was righteous in his own eyes. As we continue in the reading of Job, Elihu, a bystander and hearer of the whole dispute between speaks up as a moderator, and expresses some anger against them and Job. First, he contends that Job is attempting to justify himself rather than God.
[Job 32:1-5 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. 4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. 5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.]
This is where it was show likely that it was Elihu who penned the Book of Job as he not only observed everything that happened the whole time he was more in tuned with God than the others were. However, notice what he says, as he goes on to point out that age does not always account to wisdom.
[Job 32:9-15 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. 11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. 12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: 13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man. 14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches. 15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.]
Opinions are all that modern versions of the Bible are, people will try to convince you that there are two different English translations of the Scriptures, which there are, but the truth is that there is only one translation and that is what comes from the King James, and every other translation that was written before it from those transcripts. Well, these men did not know how to respond to Elihu and just remained silent while he kept on talking and needless to say, he could not wait.
[Job 32:18-22 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.]
Elihu believed that Job saw himself as sinless because these men failed to prove to him that his sufferings were a result of some sin that he had been hiding. Forget the fact that they were twisting every word that he said. Keep in mind that this is his opinion from what he had been hearing from the four men, he was obviously no more wiser then the rest of them as this statement would prove otherwise as no one has ever died as a result of their having favoritism or bias toward someone else. However, it is true that we are not to be biased or have respect of persons toward anyone.
[James 2:1-4 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?]
Think about it, were not these men judges of evil thoughts? God had already determined that Job was perfect and upright but of course, these men did not see that because as far as they were concerned, that much affliction meant that Job was really wicked, especially now that he had been “justifying” himself. Nevertheless, Elihu, goes on to encourage Job to listen to what he has to say as he truly believes that what he is saying is coming from God.
[Job 33:1-4,8-9 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. 8 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.]
Elihu, 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.]
By the way, we do have a right to prove our faith and no one has the right to force us into believing that we are guilty of something we did not do. Job, never said that he never sinned, he just said that he had done nothing to justify why these things happened to him. Elihu, goes on to suggest that God was speaking to him, but he was just not hearing him due to the pride that he was holding on to.
[Job 33:12-18 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. 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.]
God, answers to no one, He will do what He will and while we can certainly ask Him questions as to why sometimes the answer is simply going to be because He said so, [Romans 9:14-18 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.]
However 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 33:23-28,32-33 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. 32 If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.]
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. However, Jesus does much more for us than save us from hell, when we allow Him to lead and guide us through the Holy Spirit He will literally give us a new life, [2 Corinthians 3:3-6 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.]
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 34:2-7,9-10 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? 9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. 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.]
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 in the darkness of his sin.
[Job 34:14-15,19-24 If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; 15 All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust. 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. 24 He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.]
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.]
It is bad enough that we suffer for righteous sake, why would we want to suffer by living in sin? Elihu, even goes on to give Job a little pep talk that chastisement is a good thing, but has turned from God and is oblivious to what He is trying to show him.
[Job 34:26–27,29-30 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; 27 Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: 29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: 30 That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.]
There is that word hypocrite again, while he does not directly call Job a hypocrite he is implying it and right there Elihu chose Job’s judgment. He concluded that God was punishing him for his sin and that it was payback for what he had been hiding the whole time.
[Job 34:33-37 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.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [Job 33:23-24 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.]
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
Ready To Follow Jesus?: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/ready-to-follow-jesus/
Receive The Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Read Previous Devotions: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Read The Chapters For Today: http://kingjamesbible.imfollowingjesus.com/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/welcome/
I’m Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readytofollowJesus
Copyright © 2025 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.