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The debate and dispute between Job and his three friends obviously had an audience of at least one, most likely many more. This one listener we are now introduced to. He is Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, verse 2. This information is given to us for a purpose so let us first of all consider it.

Elihu — his name means He is my God.

He was a Buzite — Gen 22:20-21. The Aram mentioned here is believed to the Ram referred to in verse 2. If so, it may be seen that Elihu was of Abraham’s stock.

Is it not an indication of the spirit of the young man that he should show such an interest in the discussion that was taking place. Young man, how often have you perused the book of Job and sought to come to grips with its teaching?

I wish us to learn some practical lessons from this portion.

I. DISPUTING DOES NOT ALWAYS PROVE PROFITABLE

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes, Job 32:1. The dispute between Job and his companions had been, as we say, hot and heavy, but to no avail. Neither side in the dispute has moved.

1. There is undoubtedly a time when we must dispute. Acts 15:17, 19:8, 24:12, Jude 3.

2. There are times when we must avoid disputes. There were times when the Lord never answered His foes. Matt 27:12, Mark 14:61, Mark 15:5, Luke 23:9.

3. Disputes are all too often linked to carnal strife. Phil 2:14,

I Tim 6:5, II Tim 2:12, Mark 9:33-34.

4. It often is a token of immaturity. Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations, Romans 14:1. He that is sickly in the faith is more prone to dispute. It is that disputing and debating that is never meant to reach a conclusion.

II. THERE ARE MATTERS OVER WHICH WE SHOULD ANGRY

To Elihu, it was neither Job nor his companions who had lost by this dispute, but the honour of God. Therefore he was angry. Dear Christian, there are things important enough for us to get angry over; occasions when anger is justified. The word wrath refers to the face, an altering of the countenance, see Gen 2:7, 3:19.

1. The Holy God displays anger. God is angry with the wicked every day, Psalms 7:11. Here is perpetual anger. The words every day literally means continually, a 24 hour period.

2. The gentle Christ was seen to be angry. Mark 3:5. Here is a strong word for anger, See Wrath in John 3:36, Rev 6:16.

3. Godly men have shown anger. Neh 13:23-27, II Cor 7:11, (Indignation)

It is an emotion that must be controlled, Eph 4:31, Col 3:8. There is a caution—He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly, Proverbs 14:17. Remember, For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God, James 1:20.

III. AS WE GET OLD WE SHOULD GET WISER

4, 6-7. Elihu hesitated to speak because he was in the presence of older men and he expected them to be wiser.

As we get older:—

1. We ought to know more about ourselves. Self-confidence is perhaps a little more excusable in the young but not in those who ought to have learned that there is no good thing in us. Building up self-confidence is one of the great endeavours of this generation. From the earliest days this is pressed upon a child. God would have us to have no confidence in the flesh, Philippians 3:3. We ought to know of our sinfulness, our lost condition, our hopelessness. We ought to know that Christ alone can save us. The very thing men glory in today God would have us repudiate.

2. We ought to know more about eternity. It draws ever nearer. The young think little of it. As the years go by we should be occupied more with it. How often the affairs of this world crowd it out of our minds.

3. We ought to know more about God. We shall soon meet Him. What shall happen then? What preparation have you made? Have you thought on these things? The Scriptures tell us of that appointed time. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, Hebrews 9:27.

Christian, you should grow in confidence in God as the years go by. He is faithful, He does not fail. These are the lessons of years. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah, Psalms 46:1-3.

4. We ought to know more about God. We shall soon meet Him. What shall happen then? What preparation have you made? Have you thought on these things? The Scriptures tell us of that appointed time. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, Hebrews 9:27.