Job 33-35

“Let us choose what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good” (34:4).  Elihu, the last human speaker in Job’s story, said that Job’s other friends had “found no answer” (ch 32) for Job’s situation, it was Elihu’s turn to “declare his opinion” (32:10).  He reminded Job that “God will not do wickedly … or pervert justice” (34:12).  While Elihu was correct in general, he insisted (wrongly) in seeing Job’s troubles as punishment, believing that “according to the work of man [God] will repay him” (34:11).

Elihu’s need to defend God’s honor and pronounce judgment on Job led him into error.  God does not need our defense; He desires our worship, love, and trust.