Job and His Suffering Part 3 + 21 Tips on Finding Good Advice

B1 F. B. Meyer summarizes Elihu well:

The controversy between Job and his counselors is now at an end. They have failed in making out their case; but before God Himself takes up the argument there is another side of the case to be presented by the fervid life of a younger generation. The name Elihu means, “My God is He.” He had preserved a respectful silence while his elders were speaking; but he was so conscious of the uprising of the divine that he could refrain no longer.

Elihu was greatly indignant, first with Job for not justifying God, Job 32:2; and then with his friends for their inability to cope with him, Job 32:5. But in addition to these criticisms, he has some positive contribution to make to the debate, and must needs make it. Silence is golden, but there is a time to speak. Be sure in inbreathe the Spirit of God as one long imprisoned in a close chamber inhales the breath of the salt sea. Do not speak, as John Woolman says, beyond the divine openings.

B2 Job’s errors, according to Elihu, are assuming that God is doing this, He is your enemy, and you are without sin. Job 33:9-11 NLT You said, 'I am pure; I am without sin; I am innocent; I have no guilt. God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me his enemy. He puts my feet in the stocks and watches my every move.

C1 This is descriptive, not prescriptive. This is applied to Job and the situation he is experiencing. It is not meant for all people who suffer.

C2 Truth is important. Job and the 3 friends also missed that fact.

C3 When horrible things happen, we need to ask why. Seriously, we will ask why, but we need to ask why. It seems (I’m probably wrong) there are 3 possibilities.

D1 I made a bad decision, and the consequences were not good. Perhaps, I text while driving, have an accident, and my family and I are injured. I can’t blame God for my own poor choice.

D2 Someone else made a bad choice, and the consequences were not good. Perhaps, someone else is texting while driving, has an accident, and my family and I are injured. I can’t blame God for someone else’s poor choice. There are those who blame God, though, by claiming that He could have prevented it, but God is not a micromanager. He gives us choice. In our history of Job, God allows us to see behind the scenes. There, we see satan making a poor decision, and as a result many suffered. Satan did not have to do this evil; he chose to.

D3 It is the result of living in a cursed world.

C4 Applying the 3 possibilities to Job’s situation:

D1 Did Job made a bad choice? If so, there is nothing to indicate this, yet his 3 friends(?) thought he had. Maybe we should say assumed that Job made a bad decision (did evil).

D2 Did someone else make a bad choice? This is the most reasonable, because all the tragedies happened in a very short time.

D3 Regarding the third choice, it is difficult to find this reasonable, since all the tragedies happened in a short time. Job 1:13 (one day) and Job 2:1 (one day).

C5 A few verses on making decisions (judgment) and truth

D1 The advice of the Lord Jesus, so this is a rule for us today: John 7:24 GW Stop judging by outward appearance! Instead, judge correctly.

D2 A principle, but not an interpretation of this passage, is to be looking for for the reason. We don’t need details other than what is offered and to clarify what is said. 1 Samuel 16:7 GW But the LORD told Samuel, "Don't look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the LORD looks into the heart.

E1 Job’s outward situation was considered by the friends, but not Job’s attitudes or motives. These three friends(?) had nothing reasonable to base their decision.

E2 Appearances can be deceptive.

E3 The example of good decisions and judgment is found in Messiah Jesus: Isaiah 11:2-5 GW The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him- the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of advice and power, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.  3  He will gladly bear the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what his eyes see or decide by what his ears hear.  4  He will judge the poor justly. He will make fair decisions for the humble people on earth. He will strike the earth with a rod from his mouth. He will kill the wicked with the breath from his lips.  5  Justice will be the belt around his waist. Faithfulness will be the belt around his hips.

C6 This is something for us to remember in difficult times: Job 34:12 NLT Truly, God will not do wrong. The Almighty will not twist justice.

C7 Elihu points out an wrong attitude in Job. We must learn, for we tend to have this very same attitude: Job 34:37 NLT For you have added rebellion to your sin; you show no respect, and you speak many angry words against God.

C8 All of God’s decisions are based on truth, wisdom, and love. He does not make decisions to gain something or to prove His sovereignty and great power (He is King of the Universe).

C9 When faced with horrible situations, we must rest in God, confide to true friends, and seek counsel from those Christians who are wise.

C10 Some tips for seeking wise advice:

D1 Many will claim to be wise or be promoted to be wise, but are they?

D2 What has been the results of their advice?

D3 How has their decision helped the victim spiritually, emotionally, and physically?

D4 How have others been helped by this person’s advice?

D5 Do they practice what they preach?

D6 Avoid those seeking to sell something or to influence one to buy anything.

D7 Do they give advice based on truth, wisdom, and love?

D8 Do they belittle, scoff, not listen, seek intimate details? If so avoid them.

D9 Do they truly understand?

D10 Have they experienced anything similar?

D11 Do they seek to overpower you or control you? If so, avoid them.

D12 Do they admit they are not perfect, that they have made mistakes? Or, to they put on an air that they would never do something like that?

D13 Don’t just seek advice from one age group. Ask someone older or younger. You might be surprised at what they can offer.

D14 Don’t assume that an “expert” is the best counselor. As a nurse, I learned from aides, patients, patient’s family, visitors, etc. even though supposedly, I was the expert.

D15 Sometimes we do need professional help. This is especially true for any type of emotional, spiritual, or other type trauma.

D16 Are they telling you what your decision must be? If so, avoid them. A advice counselor is to help someone make a better and informed decision.

D17 Just because someone is a pastor or religious leader doesn’t guarantee that the advice is the best.

D18 Are they pressuring you to make a decision right now? Avoid those people.

D19 Do they offer a starting step? Good counselors will offer some steps leading to a better decision.

D20 Do they clarify what you are saying? You need to make sure they understand you.

D21 Seek multiple trusted people for advice, not just your friends.