R³ Devotional - Day 12

January 12th, 2025
by Jose Maldonado

R³ Devotional - Day 12 from Job Chapters 32-34

By: Jose Maldonado

Job, chapters 32-34 introduces Elihu, a younger friend of Job who has been listening patiently to the dialogue between Job and his three friends. In chapter 32 in NIV bible I noticed 26 times Elihu used the words, “I, me, my” and used “You, they, them “ 13 times. As I went to chapters 33 and 34 it was 40 times for the words “ I, me, my” and 18 times for “you, Job, your” and only 2 times for the use of the word “us” All this seems like Elihu has a lot of zeal, knowledge, and wisdom but maybe lacking in humility. He says some things that are correct , but he too joins in a condemning voice to Job. We need to be careful how we use our words, our tone, our facial expressions, and body language. We may be saying the right words but from a wrong attitude.

Elihu’s speeches serve as a transition in the narrative, preparing for the direct intervention of God later in the book. His attitude is a mix of respect for divine authority and confidence in his own ability to contribute meaningfully to the discussion with Jobs and his friends...

1. Real Life Principles:

Importance of patience and active listening in discussions.
Confidence can come from wisdom, not just age.
Recognition of divine wisdom and justice in life’s challenges.
The necessity of humility in understanding one’s own limitations.
Acknowledgment of the many ways God guides and communicates.

2. Real Life Applications:

Engage in thoughtful dialogue by considering different perspectives before forming conclusions. Think before you speak.
Be careful not to come off as arrogant, prideful and condemning.
Cultivate self-assurance in sharing insights, even when younger or less experienced.
Do not let anyone look down on you because of your age.
Seek to understand the broader context of situations, especially regarding fairness and justice.
Practice humility and be open to learning from others, regardless of their age or status.
Remember age does not equal Godly wisdom.
Remain alert to the various forms of guidance in life, such as experiences, intuition, and reflections.

3. Real Life Action Steps

Actively listen to others’ viewpoints during discussions and refrain from interrupting.
Share insights and ideas confidently in group settings, valuing your unique perspective.
Reflect on personal experiences and challenges to better understand life’s complexities.
Engage in self-reflection to evaluate if you are prioritizing personal justification over broader truths.
Pay attention to signs or messages in daily life that may offer guidance or insight.
Keep reading the word.
Pray for wisdom.