Days Should Speak With Wisdom's Voice

Job 32:1-22 *

            Elihu sat patiently listening as Job and his friends reasoned as to why God had allowed Job to suffer such terrible disaster.  Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar were convinced that Job was guilty of some secret sin.  They encouraged him to confess and make things right with God.  Elihu had kept his silence because his friends were much older, and he assumed, much wiser than himself.  But after everyone had his say and no truth had been uttered, the young man was convinced that he could remain silent no longer.  Elihu was upset with all four of his friends.  With Job because he was questioning the will of God, and with the others for calling Job a liar.

            Elihu felt, that in this case, wisdom had been wasted on the old.  The young man confessed that his understanding came from God – Who gives wisdom and understanding to whomever He chooses.  You cannot measure wisdom by counting gray hairs or wrinkles.  As a matter of fact, it is often the case that the older one gets the less pliable he is and consequently less humble and receptive to the leading of the Spirit!

            None of Job’s friends was able to adequately explain to their friend why tragedy had come upon him.  Still, Elihu did offer some very useful advice in verse 7, “Age should speak and multitude of years should teach wisdom.”  Days do indeed have a voice.

I.                   “Days Have A Voice” – “Let Him Who Has Ears…”

A.    Let us never become unteachable

1.      Pig-headed and stubborn in our opinions

2.      Closed to the Spirit of God

B.     Each new day teaches valuable lessons

1.      God is still there and has not changed

2.      His word is not subject to whim

3.      Time passes and with it opportunity

4.      We must follow the example of the ant and prepare for tomorrow and forever (Willie B. Oakley)

II.                “Increased Years Should Teach Wisdom”

A.    To trust ourselves less

1.      Untried strength always appears greater than it is

2.      Excessive self-confidence is a childish trait.  False modesty is just as bad

3.      Don’t crawl out on skinny limbs or trust to grass string

B.     Put less trust in man and more in God

1.      Human solutions are insufficient to meet eternal needs

2.      Not leaning on tradition too much

3.      Humans will fail us – should we be surprised when this maxim comes true?

C.    Put less trust in appearance

1.      See with eyes of faith what may be, not just what is

2.      Do not constrain the power of God through low expectations or doubt

3.      Do not limit yourself because of inability

III.             Let The Wise Share Their Wisdom

A.    Avoid piggy bank Christians

1.      Saving up their knowledge and grace for another time

2.      Not teaching but critical of the ignorant

B.     Do not fail to use the opportunities God gives

1.      Speak as the Spirit leads

2.      Do not fear to praise God

3.      Never fail to stand for truth