But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Job 32:8
Elihu Justifies His Right to Answer Job
Job and his friends are frustrated because they see no way out of their dilemma. All four are bound by the circular logic of their understanding of God. God brings suffering only on the wicked. Job is undergoing suffering caused by God. Thus Job is wicked. But then a young observer named Elihu breaks the grip of the logic that has trapped Job and his friends.
Elihu does this by pointing out that God may use suffering to instruct as well as punish (33:19-30)! As soon as this new reason for suffering is suggested, the bondage of false logic is broken, and each of the four is free to confess that he does not know why God has permitted Job to undergo this experience. It is now possible to accept Job’s testimony, and still to honor God as one who does right.
11 Indeed I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, while you searched out what to say. 12 I paid close attention to you; And surely not one of you convinced Job, Or answered his words– 13 Lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom’; God will vanquish him, not man.
21 Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man. 22 For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.
