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CARELESS SPEECH
LORD’S DAY EVENING, JUNE 12
Job 34:1-20

Psalm 62:1-7

 

“Let your speech be alway

with grace, seasoned with salt…”

 

CARELESS SPEECH
 
Some of the harshest words Elihu spoke against Job are found in this portion. By insisting that God had been dealing with him harshly, Job insinuated that a good relationship with God was of little value on earth. Job did not actually say the words attributed to him here, but he did express an almost fatalistic view of life when he spoke of God in His sovereignty moving against good and evil men alike (Job 34:1-9; 9:22).
 
We must grant that in his despair, Job had overemphasized his position. He spoke more severely of God than he had really intended to. Perhaps, Elihu was too strong in his accusation. He ignored the fact that Job was suffering when the victorious cry burst forth from his lips: “I know that my redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25). On the other hand, Elihu had a point. When Job spoke as he did, he sounded just like the wicked men of this world. They said that a good relationship with God was of no help so far as the trials of life were concerned (Job 34:8-9).
 
Elihu reminded Job of God’s justice and mercy. Although man may not always understand His actions, he can always be sure of God’s justice as well as His mercy (Job 34:12; Ps 89:14).
 
God, who created everything, is supreme. No one gave Him power (Ps 89:11; Heb 1:2). Yet, this mighty God is mindful of man. It is His power that gives man life and keeps the earth as a proper habitation for him. Elihu presented this truth in a negative sense, saying that if God were not mindful of man, He would just withdraw His power and mankind would cease to exist. We are reminded of this same truth in the New Testament (Job 34:13-15; Heb 1:3).
 
May we, even in the most difficult times, be mindful of God’s mercy and grace in giving life and providing for us all that we need to pass through this life in spiritual victory.
 
THOUGHT: Why was Elihu so harsh with Job?
PRAYER: Father, may I be aware that my careless words may damage the testimony of my faith.

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