Job's friends failed him in his hour of need

[Ziggy]

The book of Job is so easily misleading...
what I mean is, when you are quoting from it, you have to know who is speaking.
Were his friends speaking truth, truth mixed with lies, false witnessing?
So when your quoting from it, you have to know if it's Job, or his friends, or that young one who came out from the whirlwind..
Job is a fascinating book. Testimony even.

Hugs

 

[VictoryinJesus]

But Elihu, the “smart alec” (as you say), isn’t accused by God of any error in this matter.

"And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job." (Job 42:7-9)

Jobs three friends…but there is a forth.
Job 33:6-7 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. (Romans 8:3) [7] Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.

My terror shall not make you afraid….
2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.


Daniel 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Psalm 40:7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

 

[VictoryinJesus]

hence the Word of God declarers Job righteous. now we know nothing can turn back the Word of God

I’ve never considered that. Wow! “Hence the Word of God declares Job righteous.”

so once the Lord said Job is righteous Job was righteous no matter what

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 

[Enoch111]

But Elihu, the “smart alec” (as you say), isn’t accused by God of any error in this matter.

Yes. Smart Alec Elihu got a free pass. Probably because he was not regarded as a friend of Job. Could have been a visitor. But his errors are obvious.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

Yes. Smart Alec Elihu got a free pass. Probably because he was not regarded as a friend of Job. Could have been a visitor. But his errors are obvious.

Elihu’s errors are not obvious. There aren’t any errors on Elihu’s part. God is a just God and he would not have given anyone a free pass on errors. Your judgment of Elihu is flawed. And to go so far as to lay an insulting remark on him shows your lack of respect and reverence in the word of God. Elihu did just what God did; God rebuked Job as well!

"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. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job." (Job 32:2-3)

 

[Michiah-Imla]

@Enoch111

Job’s reply to God shows Job’s own error in the matter:

"Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further." (Job 40:3-5)

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Elihu’s errors are not obvious. There aren’t any errors on Elihu’s part. God is a just God and he would not have given anyone a free pass on errors. Your judgment of Elihu is flawed. And to go so far as to lay an insulting remark on him shows your lack of respect and reverence in the word of God. Elihu did just what God did; God rebuked Job as well!

"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. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job." (Job 32:2-3)

I don’t see all the errors neither. As far as wrath kindled against Job and his friends it makes me think of Elijah. Do we call Elijah a smart Alec? Seems Elihu and Paul agree on one thing Job 36:8-13 And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; [9] Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.

Romans 7:10-14 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. [11] For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. [12] Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. [13] Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. [14] For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

@Enoch111

Job’s reply to God shows Job’s own error in the matter:

"Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further." (Job 40:3-5)

Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [21] Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

 

[farouk]

Hi @VictoryinJesus I was thinking also, the theme of patience is associated with Job; and this ties in with Romans 8.24.-25:

"24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.)

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Hi @VictoryinJesus I was thinking also, the theme of patience is associated with Job; and this ties in with Romans 8.24.-25:

"24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.)

wow what a good reminder this morning @farouk. Thank you! James 1:3-4 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.

James 2:20-24 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? [21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? [22] Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? [23] And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. [24] Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
…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.

 

[DPMartin]

I’ve never considered that. Wow! “Hence the Word of God declares Job righteous.”



John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

well its simple the Word of God is "the" Truth, therefore it must come to pass. when God said let there be Light, there will be Light. one could ponder the possibilities in no matter what you say must come to pass. which is the place of the Word of God in God's creation. sovereign forever, all of creation knows it's Maker through His Word.

 

[Enoch111]

Elihu’s errors are not obvious. There aren’t any errors on Elihu’s part.

We'll let the record speak and show the lies of Elihu:

FALLACY #1. JOB WAS NOT STRIVING AGAINST GOD
Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. (33:13)
FALLACY #2. JOB WAS NOT DRINKING UP SCORNING LIKE WATER
What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? (34:7)
FALLACY #3. JOB WAS NOT WALKING WITH WICKED MEN
Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. (34:8)
FALLACY #4. JOB DID NOT SAY THAT DELIGHTING IN GOD WAS UNPROFITABLE
For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. (34:9)
FALLACY #5. GOD DID LAY UPON JOB MORE THAN HE DESERVED
For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. (34:23)
FALLACY #6. JOB'S WORDS WERE NOT WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OR WISDOM
Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. (34:35)
FALLACY #7. JOB WAS NOT SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF WICKED MEN
My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.(34:36)
FALLACY #8. JOB WAS NOT SINNING OR ADDING TO HIS REBELLION
For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God. (34:37)

I could add many more wicked lies from Elihu, but this should suffice to show that Elihu had no clue about Job's predicament, but was simply trying to be a Smart Alec and condemning Job without reason.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

We'll let the record speak and show the lies of Elihu:

FALLACY #1. JOB WAS NOT STRIVING AGAINST GOD
Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. (33:13)
FALLACY #2. JOB WAS NOT DRINKING UP SCORNING LIKE WATER
What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? (34:7)
FALLACY #3. JOB WAS NOT WALKING WITH WICKED MEN
Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. (34:8)
FALLACY #4. JOB DID NOT SAY THAT DELIGHTING IN GOD WAS UNPROFITABLE
For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. (34:9)
FALLACY #5. GOD DID LAY UPON JOB MORE THAN HE DESERVED
For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. (34:23)
FALLACY #6. JOB'S WORDS WERE NOT WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OR WISDOM
Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. (34:35)
FALLACY #7. JOB WAS NOT SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF WICKED MEN
My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.(34:36)
FALLACY #8. JOB WAS NOT SINNING OR ADDING TO HIS REBELLION
For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God. (34:37)

I could add many more wicked lies from Elihu, but this should suffice to show that Elihu had no clue about Job's predicament, but was simply trying to be a Smart Alec and condemning Job without reason.

God has spoken in the matter and the case is closed.

Elihu was not accused of any error by God.

Why you insist on pursuing a case against a man in whom God found no fault with is beyond comprehension.

 

[Enoch111]

Why you insist on pursuing a case against a man in whom God found no fault with is beyond comprehension.

God made no comment on Elihu. That is not the same as "God found no fault with Elihu". For whatever reason -- Elihu was excluded from God's rebukes. Possibly because he was not identified as a friend of Job in the first place. But I already showed you that there was plenty of fault. His own words condemned him.

 

[CMNYC]

But Elihu, the “smart alec” (as you say), isn’t accused by God of any error in this matter.

"And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job." (Job 42:7-9)

Neither was Elihu praised by God, so using this as the argument in favor of him does not work. Also, how do you know Elihu is present when God speaks out of the whirlwind?

 

[CMNYC]

You are loved my friend . Go read chapters thirty one and forward . A fault is found in Job .
But his friends had no answer . God sent another to show Job his error .

How do you know God sent Elihu? Also, in Job 34:37 Elihu accuses Job of adding rebellion to his "sin". Can you tell us what this "sin" is exactly?

 

[CMNYC]

Yes. Smart Alec Elihu got a free pass. Probably because he was not regarded as a friend of Job. Could have been a visitor. But his errors are obvious.

On the same page with you regarding Elihu. What I have found fascinating is that after the whirlwind arrives Elihu is never mentioned or heard from again. Perhaps there is a correlation with the arrival of the whirlwind and Elihu's whereabouts. Have you ever cross referenced the appearance of a whirlwind (KJV) and the majority of contexts in which they appear? Check it out:

Proverbs 10:25 “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.”

Jeremiah 23:19 “Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.”

Jeremiah 30:23 “Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.”

Hosea 8:7 “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.”

Isaiah 40:24 “Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.”

Proverbs 1:26,27 “I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

Nahum 1:2,3 “God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.”

 

[CMNYC]

Elihu’s errors are not obvious. There aren’t any errors on Elihu’s part. God is a just God and he would not have given anyone a free pass on errors. Your judgment of Elihu is flawed. And to go so far as to lay an insulting remark on him shows your lack of respect and reverence in the word of God. Elihu did just what God did; God rebuked Job as well!

"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. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job." (Job 32:2-3)

Job 35:16 "Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge."

It's true that Job speaks without knowing his situation fully, but Elihu accuses Job of speaking "in vain". Are you in agreement with Elihu then that Job spoke in vain? Is that your position?

Does God accuse Job of speaking in vain? In Job 42:7,8 God states twice that Job has spoken rightly about Him (God). Do you believe that Job speaking rightly about God is Job speaking in vain?

Do not be deceived by Elihu.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

Job 35:16 "Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge."

It's true that Job speaks without knowing his situation fully, but Elihu accuses Job of speaking "in vain". Are you in agreement with Elihu then that Job spoke in vain? Is that your position?

Does God accuse Job of speaking in vain? In Job 42:7,8 God states twice that Job has spoken rightly about Him (God). Do you believe that Job speaking rightly about God is Job speaking in vain?

Do not be deceived by Elihu.

You will not find a passage of scripture where Elihu is rebuked by God.

There’s no discussion to have on this point.

 

[soberxp]

I think you should really read what Job's friends said in the Book of Job, and I don't know how qualified you are to say that what they said is wrong, and I'm curious,

Instead, Job's words were filled with a lack of understanding of God because of what he was going through.

His friends patiently counseled Job on the right way to view God and his suffering.

 

[Lambano]

One commentator noted that Job's friends got one thing right: They were THERE.