Read
Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he.
Job 32:4
Reflect
In the story of Job, most people feel bad for him because of how much physical suffering he endures. He loses everything, most of his family is killed, and he’s covered in painful sores. But one of the biggest things he has to endure is his so-called friends. When they hear about how bad things are going for him, three friends come to comfort Job and give him “wise” counsel. Mostly, what they do is tell him that all of his suffering is his own fault and that his sins have caused the situation.
Job begins by refusing to curse God, even in terrible suffering. But as the conversations continue, his grief and frustration grow. He does not understand why all of this is happening, and eventually he begins demanding answers from God.
But there is another man listening.
Elihu is the youngest of the group, and he sits by quietly, waiting for his turn to speak. He listens while Job’s friends accuse him. He listens while Job defends himself. He listens as the conversation goes in circles. Finally, when he hears Job justifying himself and demanding an answer from God, he has had enough and speaks up.
And when Elihu speaks, the others listen. Why do you think that is?
Unlike many people — young or old — Elihu used his ears before his mouth. He showed respect to those who were older than he was, and he did not interrupt, no matter how much he disagreed with what was being said. Then, when the time finally came for him to speak, he had actually listened closely enough to know what needed to be said. Because he had been respectful, and because he had listened to the others’ words, they basically “gave him the floor.”
At the very least, Elihu had listened closely enough to understand where the conversation had gone wrong. And right after Elihu finishes, God does give Job his answer — not by explaining every detail, but by reminding Job who God is.
How are you with showing respect to others? Do you feel the need to say everything that pops into your mind? Or are you content with letting others have their say, listening to what’s said and then waiting for an opportunity to say something? When we respect others’ opinions, and especially the opinions of those who are older than we are, it’s far more likely that they’ll be willing to listen once our turn comes up.
This week, try using your ears twice as much as your mouth. Show respect to those older than you and wait for the best opportunity to say what’s on your mind. Trust the Lord that your opinions will be valued, and don’t force your way into conversations.
Reflection copyright © 2026 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
