Job chapter 32 through 37 reminds me of the times in my life when I walked in on the end of a conversation and assumed I knew what was being said. Sometimes we have just enough information to be dangerous. The chapter introduces “Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite“, who “became very angry” at hearing Job self-righteously defending himself. We used to call someone like this a “Budinski”. He begins his verbal assault of Job, “I am young in years, and you are old“. Age does not change our intelligence, but it does change our perspective. I believe that is why, according to Numbers 8:24, Men were not permitted to serve at the Temple until they were “twenty-five years old or more“. Young people are often impatient and prone to act before getting all the facts. He begins, “Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know… like new wineskins ready to burst… I will show partiality to no one… prepare yourself“. With apparently little knowledge of Job’s life, Elihu the Budinski talks uninterrupted for the next six chapters. The reason car insurance is so expensive for a young man is because they use the accelerator more than the brake. Misunderstandings quickly blow up into confrontations when no one stops to ask for clarification. He continues, “I must speak and find relief“. He asks many questions but does not wait for any answers. Youthful enthusiasm can take us to wrong conclusions.
Like Job’s three friends, Elihu the Budinski cannot see beyond Job’s current circumstance and he seems pleased that Job is getting what he deserves. “But you have said in my hearing… I am clean and free from guilt“. Next he lectures Job on the ways God speaks to man, “For God does speak… In a dream, in a vision… Or a man may be chastened… on a bed of pain“. In other words, he pictures God as enjoying the torment. He projects a God with little compassion. He says that maybe one out of a thousand times,” there is an angel on his side as a mediator… to be gracious to him… He prays to God and finds favor with Him, he sees God’s face and shouts for joy“. Elihu thinks God is overly gracious by extending mercy more than once “God does all these things to a man twice, even three times“. Remember Peter the apostle felt the same way. “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?“ But Jesus answered Peter with a number we cannot comprehend. God’s mercy is endless, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times“. Nothing will age you more than holding onto bitterness. Peace always begins with asking for forgiveness.
Elihu the Budinski understands God to be interested in justice alone, punishing the evil at every turn. “It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice“. In his view, God is keeping score and waiting for the opportunity to pounce on those that do wrong. “Because He takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.” He sees Jobs torment as an example of God’s justice, “He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them“. Elihu also has not yet learned that it is God’s mercy that changes a life, a family and a nation. “Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only the sons of men“. Elihu says men only repent when they are being crushed, “Men cry out under a load of oppression“. I believe it is when we are shown unmerited mercy that we are brought to our knees. We can be forced to do things but humility brings a desire to serve willingly. Finally Elihu the Budinski describes God’s greatness, but sadly sees Him as a very distant being dispensing judgment on everyone that gets out of line, “But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have taken hold of you… The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power“. Perhaps you have been beat up by a Budinski? Listen to the words of King David, a man that experienced God personal forgiveness. If you have been told you are getting what you deserve, let these words sink in. Psalm 46 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble… The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress… Be still, and know that I am God“.