Elihu’s words–Our words

Job 33-35 Elihu has been silent up to this point. Now he is “full of words” and angry. In fact so much so that he mentioned his anger four times. He was angry because Job saw himself as innocent and God as the aggressor. In hindsight, it would have been better for Elihu to have been quiet. Instead, he adds to Job’s condemnation with vigor and harshness.

How quick we are to condemn another’s situation. Interestingly, none of Job’s “miserable” comforters sought to place the blame where it squarely belonged: on Satan. Instead, they blamed Job and continued to berate him. How quick am I/are we to make judgments regarding another’s situation? Why are we so quick to make judgments?

Today may our counsel be sweet as honey and not accusatory. May our speech be gentle and kind and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Here’s a little saying to remember: “Put mind in gear before opening mouth.” Consider that wise counsel when you are faced with the urge to condemn.