verticallife

“But there is spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice.” (Job 32:8-9)

Eliju had a passion for authority. Questioning Job’s wisdom, understanding, and maybe even his sanity, Eliju essentially accused Job of being old and out of touch. Eliju had waited to speak to Job because his other three friends were older than he was. He finally couldn’t take it anymore. He had to speak up.

“I am young in years, and you are old.” I could just hear Job saying, “gee, thanks.” Eliju continued. “…that is why I was fearful, not wanting to tell you what I know. I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’” Maybe it should. Maybe great men (and women) should be wise. Yet simply because someone is old doesn’t make him wise, anymore than someone who is young has nothing to say.

However, you just have to laugh at Eliju’s comments.

“For I am full of words and the spirit within me compels me; inside I am like bottled up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.” (Job 32:18-19)

You’ve got to be kidding me. Do you know anyone like this? When they come near you think, “I know he has something to say.” They have more a knack for speaking their mind than keeping it to themselves.

Let’s just be honest for a moment. Do you find yourself truly listening to someone or thinking about what to say next while they’re talking to you? Someone like Job really needs you to simply listen. What can you do today to lend someone a listening ear?