What the Bible says about Elihu
(From Forerunner Commentary)

Elihu utilizes a gentle, yielding, respectful, yet firm attitude toward Job, many years his elder and superior in social standing. In Job 32:6, Elihu humbles himself, deferring to Job's age and experience, saying, "I am young in years, and you are very old." He shows proper respect to the other counselors, remarking, "Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom" (verse 7). Elihu listens to Job's entire argument, giving him full, undivided attention before he makes any comments or suggestions. In Job 33:6, Elihu acknowledges his common bond of frailty and mortality with Job: "Truly I am as your spokesman before God; I also have been formed out of clay." These reassuring words dismiss any thought of ulterior motives in the young man. In an attitude of humility, Elihu entreats Job as a concerned son would approach a father. He demonstrates the principle that the apostle Paul later teaches the Galatians, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). Having a healthy estimate of our frailties and shortcomings will put us in the proper attitude for admonishing a brother. David F. Maas Servant Leadership: Practical Meekness Related Topics: Elihu

Job 32:2 Job 32 introduces Elihu, a sixth character in this unfolding drama, the lessons of which are critical to all mankind. He is a much younger man who has listened intently to the arguments flowing back and forth. The context reveals that he is patient but is also incensed at the four men whose arguments are recorded. He clearly perceives that Job's friends' arguments were condemnatory, but had not answered him correctly. He is angry at Job because his arguments claim himself to be more righteous than God. Job's attitude placed himself above God by denying that He has the right to deal with Job as He sees fit. John W. Ritenbaugh Job, Self-Righteousness, and Humility Related Topics: Elihu | Job | Job's Accusation of God | Job's Attitude of Self Righteousness | Job's Irritation with God | Job, Self Righteousness, and Humility | Self Righteousness

Job 33:8-14 Job demands his "rights," as though he somehow deserves them. Elihu's approach, however, is interesting and pertinent. "God is greater!" he exclaims, which is absolutely correct. It should have been Job's mindset from the beginning, but he approaches God as an equal or perhaps even lower! Job's primary concern is "Why?" Job's three "friends'" primary concern is God's justice. Yet Elihu argues that God is inscrutable and far greater by any human standard of measurement. So to compare God's judgments against man's familiar standards lessens God from what He is. Paul in Romans 11:33-36 provides some insight here: Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! "For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?" "Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?" For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. John W. Ritenbaugh Job, Self-Righteousness, and Humility Related Topics: Elihu | Elihu's Insights | God's Wisdom | God's Wisdom and Knowledge | Vast Difference between God and Man | Wisdom and Knowledge of God

Find more Bible verses about Elihu:
Elihu {Nave's}
 

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