Sackcloth & Ashes, pt. 6 - Words from the Wise

Passage: Job 32–35After Job’s friends fall silent, Elihu finally speaks—angry at Job for justifying himself rather than God, and angry at the friends for condemning Job without proof. Through Elihu’s counsel we learn that wisdom is a gift from God, presence gives our words weight, assumption is the enemy of wise advice, and the path through suffering begins with honesty: is this our sin, or Satan’s attack?Key Takeaways:Wisdom is a gift from God, not merely the product of experienceIn times of trouble, consider the source—be careful about who you listen toJust because you can say something doesn’t mean that you shouldPresence is more powerful than explanation—and presence is essential if you want your words to be impactfulSpeak on what you know; assumption is the enemy of wise adviceGod speaks in multiple ways—dreams, visions, pain and suffering, and the leading of the Holy SpiritFar be it from God to do evil; He is just and does not pervert justiceWe must recognize the difference between just discipline and spiritual warfareHumbly ask God to intervene rather than arrogantly accuse Him of injusticeGod doesn’t need you—He wants you; check yourself before you wreck yourselfDo not be like Job in his arrogance—recognize the source of your calamity early and take it to God