Elihu’s Wisdom: Understanding God’s Justice in Job 35

Executive Summary

Job 35, where Elihu continues his discourse, presents a crucial theological point: God’s actions are not determined by human righteousness or wickedness. Elihu challenges Job’s apparent insistence that his righteousness entitles him to a better fate, arguing that God is far too great to be affected by human behavior. The chapter emphasizes God’s transcendence and impeccability. While we might suffer injustices that seem unfair, our suffering doesn’t diminish God’s perfect justice, nor does our righteousness obligate Him to reward us in ways we expect. Instead, we must approach God with humility, recognizing His infinite wisdom and sovereign will. The essence of Job 35 lies in understanding God’s immeasurable greatness and our limited perspective. We are called to trust in His divine plan, even when we cannot comprehend it, relying on faith and prayer to navigate life’s trials.

In the book of Job, Elihu emerges as a fresh voice, attempting to reconcile Job’s suffering with God’s justice. Job 35 marks a pivotal moment where Elihu directly addresses Job’s perspective, challenging the notion that human righteousness obligates God. Our Focus Key Phrase: God’s Unfathomable Justice is at the heart of this discourse. Elihu asserts that God operates on a plane far beyond human comprehension, and His actions are not dictated by our deeds. Let’s delve into this chapter and explore the profound implications of Elihu’s wisdom for our lives.

Commentary: Job 35 Verse by Verse

Job 35:1-3

KJV: Elihu spake moreover, and said, Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God’s? For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?

NKJV: Then Elihu continued and said: “Do you think this is right? Do you say, ‘My righteousness is more than God’s’? For you say, ‘What advantage will it be to You? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?’”

Elihu opens with a sharp rebuke, questioning Job’s attitude of self-righteousness. He challenges Job’s assertion that his righteousness surpasses God’s and that there is no benefit in serving God if suffering persists. This is a common human tendency, especially when faced with inexplicable hardship. We often question the value of our faith when it doesn’t shield us from pain. Elihu highlights the danger of presuming that our righteousness can obligate God to act in a certain way. This mindset stems from a transactional view of our relationship with the Divine, reducing it to a mere exchange of good deeds for blessings. We see the same flawed reasoning in the pharisaical attitude that Christ Himself rebuked.

Spiritual Application: We must guard against a transactional relationship with God. Our service should flow from love and gratitude, not from a desire for guaranteed rewards. Remember that true righteousness lies not in comparing ourselves to God, but in humbly submitting to His will, trusting that His plan, though often incomprehensible, is ultimately for our good.

Job 35:4-8

KJV: I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou. If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand? Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.

NKJV: “I will answer you, And your companions with you. Look to the heavens and see; And behold the clouds—they are higher than you. If you sin, what do you accomplish against Him? Or, if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him? If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand? Your wickedness affects a man such as you, And your righteousness benefits a son of man.”

Elihu directs Job and his friends to consider the vastness of the heavens, emphasizing the immeasurable distance between humanity and God. He argues that human sin or righteousness cannot directly affect God. Our actions primarily impact our fellow humans. The Fathers often used natural analogies to illustrate God’s transcendence. St. Athanasius, in *Contra Gentes* (*Κατὰ Ἐθνῶν*), highlights God’s immutability: “For He is always the same, remaining what He is; neither increased by our progress nor diminished by our neglect” (Athanasius, *Contra Gentes* 41, PG 25:80). This passage echoes the sentiment. Even Job’s intense suffering, while devastating, doesn’t diminish God’s majesty or alter His eternal nature. Our [explore the services of dohust.us](explore the services of dohust.us) may not be perfect, but our understanding of these concepts will grow stronger.

Spiritual Application: Recognize your limitations and God’s boundless nature. Focus your actions on loving and serving others, knowing that this reflects God’s love and benefits those around you. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your actions can manipulate or obligate the Divine.

Job 35:9-13

KJV: By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men. Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.

NKJV: “Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out; They cry out for help because of the arm of the mighty. But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night, Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, And makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?’ There they cry out, but He does not answer, Because of the pride of evil men. Surely God will not hear empty words, Nor will the Almighty regard it.”

Elihu points out that suffering often leads to cries for help, but these cries frequently lack genuine faith and humility. He laments that people cry out because of oppression, yet they don’t seek God, the source of comfort and wisdom. Elihu emphasizes that God gives “songs in the night” – hope and comfort even in the darkest times. The passage also highlights that humanity’s intellect and understanding surpass that of animals, a gift from God. But this gift is rendered useless without a humble heart and a sincere search for God. God doesn’t hear “vanity” – empty, prideful prayers.

Spiritual Application: In times of suffering, turn to God with humility and a sincere desire to know Him. Seek the “songs in the night” – the peace and hope that only He can provide. Approach God with a contrite heart, recognizing your dependence on His grace and wisdom. Avoid empty prayers motivated by pride or a sense of entitlement.

Job 35:14-16

KJV: Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him. But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity: Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.

NKJV: “Although you say you do not see Him, Yet justice is before Him. Therefore trust in Him. But now, because He has not punished, His anger is not aroused, Nor does He take much notice of folly. Therefore Job opens his mouth in vain; He multiplies words without knowledge.”

Elihu concludes by urging Job to trust in God’s justice, even if he cannot see it. He suggests that Job’s complaints are fueled by a lack of understanding. Elihu believes that Job’s words are empty and without knowledge. Even if God seems unresponsive, judgment still rests with Him, and we must put our faith in Him. The Fathers often emphasized the importance of patience and perseverance in prayer. St. Isaac the Syrian writes: “*Терпение в молитве – мати всех благ*” (*Patience in prayer is the mother of all good things*) (Isaac the Syrian, *Ascetical Homilies*). Even when we feel unheard, we must continue to trust and pray, knowing that God is ultimately just and merciful.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate trust in God’s justice, even when facing unexplained suffering. Resist the temptation to complain and question God’s ways. Instead, focus on deepening your faith and understanding through prayer, scripture, and the wisdom of the Church Fathers. Remember that true wisdom comes from humility and a willingness to accept God’s will.

The Essence of God’s Unfathomable Justice 💡

Job 35 teaches us profound lessons about God’s Unfathomable Justice. Here are some key reflections:

• God’s Transcendence: God exists far beyond our human comprehension and is not bound by our limited perspectives.
• Humility in Suffering: Approaching God with humility during suffering is essential for receiving His grace and understanding.
• Impact of Our Actions: Our actions primarily affect other people, so we must focus on acts of love and service.
• Authenticity in Prayer: Prayers should be sincere and humble, not prideful or manipulative.
• Trust in Divine Justice: We must trust in God’s justice even when we cannot see or understand it.
• Perseverance in Faith: Maintaining faith and prayer, even when unanswered, is crucial for spiritual growth.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why is it important to understand that God’s righteousness is beyond our own?

A: Recognizing God’s transcendence prevents us from creating a transactional relationship with Him, where we believe our righteousness obligates Him. It fosters humility and a deeper appreciation for His infinite wisdom.

Q: How can we cultivate genuine faith in the midst of suffering?

A: By turning to God in prayer with a contrite heart, seeking the “songs in the night” – the comfort and hope that only He can provide. We also cultivate faith by studying Scripture and drawing on the wisdom of the Church Fathers.

Q: What does it mean to approach God with “vanity”?

A: “Vanity” refers to empty, prideful prayers motivated by a sense of entitlement rather than a genuine desire to know God’s will. It represents a lack of humility and sincerity in our approach to the Divine.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of Job 35 to our daily lives?

A: By focusing on acts of love and service toward others, trusting in God’s justice even when we don’t understand it, and approaching Him with humility and a sincere desire to know Him. Remember, God’s Unfathomable Justice demands our trust.

Conclusion

Job 35 serves as a potent reminder of God’s Unfathomable Justice and our need for humility and faith. Elihu’s words challenge us to move beyond a transactional understanding of our relationship with God and to embrace the truth of His transcendence. Our actions, whether righteous or sinful, do not directly affect God, but they profoundly impact our fellow human beings. We are called to serve others with love and compassion, trusting that God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Even in the face of inexplicable suffering, we must maintain our faith and persevere in prayer, knowing that God is always present, offering “songs in the night” to those who seek Him with a sincere and humble heart. By embracing these truths, we can navigate life’s trials with greater peace and understanding, finding solace in the knowledge that God’s plan, though often mysterious, is ultimately for our good.

Tags

Job, Elihu, God’s Justice, Suffering, Righteousness, Humility, Faith, Prayer, Coptic Orthodox, Patristic Theology

Meta Description

Explore Job 35 verse by verse with Coptic Orthodox commentary. Discover insights on Elihu’s wisdom, God’s Unfathomable Justice, and how to apply it to modern life.