Job 32:6 – “And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: ¹⁰ Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; let me also declare my opinion.”

Today, as I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God, an unusual word came to me out of the Book of Job and the words and actions of young Elihu, the 4th of Job’s Comforters.   In his brashness and religious anger, he said, “I will tell you what I think!”  (Job 32:6, 10, 17, 18, 20). 

The Lord spoke to my heart that what a person thinks drives or compels them in words, thoughts, and deeds.    Just because you think something does not mean you are right.   However, it will be the driving force in relationships, attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions.  It will define you.   Right or wrong, it will be the driving force in your life.

Therefore, being right is more valuable than thinking you are right.

Elihu was so convinced of his rightness that he declared that Job should be tried to the limit and accused him of being wicked and in rebellion.   Why?  Because he was convinced that if a man had problems, it was because of sin.  Religious legalism shaped his thinking, and he was driven to judge, condemn, and reject Job.

Elihu was right (in his own eyes) and would accept no other view. The Pharisee who invited Jesus to his house in Luke 7 expressed that religious rigidity of opinion. When the woman anointed his feet with tears and perfume, he said, Luke 7:39 – “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of person this woman is… she is a sinner.”

Judging is usually rooted in opinion – “What I Think!”  It drives us to shape opinions, judgments, words, and actions.  It closes the door to God’s fullness.

So, seek to be right in your heart and guard your tongue.   Just because we think something does not mean we are right.  Be gracious to other opinions.

Don’t be an Elihu; be a true comforter to those who are hurting.  Enjoy the goodness of God and this day!