June 23

Job 34

Highlights In Today's Reading:

All four chapters are Elihu speaking. It appears that he proclaims God's justice and goodness, bringing out some real truths of God and His majesty, but he wroongly interprets Job's defense as hypocrisy and self-righteousness.

When Job's three friends had nothing more to say, Elihu condemned them and then expressed even greater hostility toward Job. Four times in five verses we read variations of the phrase that Elihu's wrath was kindled (32:1-5).

This young egotist referred to himself by the words "me," "my," and "I" at least 55 times to inform Job that he alone was chosen to intercede on Job's behalf and that he was Job's spokeman before God (32:6 — 33:33). He agreed that Job was a sinner. But he also said that Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar were self-appointed judges who had failed to prove their charges against Job.

Elihu was so self-righteous that in the first eight verses of chapter 33, the words my, me, I, and mine are used twenty times. He denounces Job: Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge (35:16). My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. For he added rebellion unto his sin . . . and multiplieth his words against God (34:36-37). His desire that Job be tried was granted. Just think how opposite and differing in character his evaluation of Job was in contrast to God's. The Lord proclaimed Job as My servant . . . there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man (1:8). Then following Job's test of faith, God proudly honored Job y saying to Job's friends: 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. . . . My servant Job shall pray for you (42:7-8). Elihu was interrupted by the wrath of the Almighty, who said to Job: Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? (38:2).

Counselors may have all the degrees and qualifications the world can give, but unless their advice is in harmony with God's Word, it is "darkened counsel."

During times of personal afflications, heartbreaking bereavement, persecution, or financial struggles, we are often tempted to become depressed so that we even fail to pray. That is when we need someone's loving comfort and assurance that our Lord ultimately controls every situation that comes into our lives. Regardless of how bad it may seem, He wants to use it for our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28; also Genesis 50:20).

Have faith in the wisdom and love of God, casting all your care (anxiety) upon Him; for He careth for you (I Peter 5:7).

Thought for Today:

Satan will twist the scriptures to try to mislead us. Just one more reason why we must read all of the Bible for ourselves.

Christ Revealed:

As the One who watches how we live and all we do (Job 34:21). The Lord keeps His eyes on the righteous (I Peter 3:12).

Word Studies:

34:36 for =b> have been like those of; 36:8 holden =b> held fast; 36:16 no straitness =b> no restraint or restriction; 36:23 enjoined =b> appointed; gave orders; 36:33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour =b> His thunder announces the coming storm; even the cattle make known its approach; 37:10 straitened =b> frozen; 37:22 terrible =b> awesome.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in honor of Margaret Somers • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Official: Justice Clarence Thomas • Country: St. Vincent and The Grenadines (120,000) in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 50% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 2% spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to be content with and thankful for the things you have (Hebrews 13:5).

Optional Reading: Ephesians 6

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 3:18