Leaders are taught the skills necessary to coax individuals to see their way of thinking in the process of reaching the goal in front of them.  Some learn how to do this successfully from mentors before them. Some learn from experience of success and failures—what works and what does not work. Some are gifted with natural charisma which convinces people to follow.  All are dangerous when led by self-ambition, hungry for power, willing to do whatever it takes to get what they want most—to be heard and heeded.

Young Elihu now attempts a form of flattery to coax Job into submission along with his elders to see his point of view. Although he had promised not to use flattery (Job 32:21), but he came close to it in verse 2 of this chapter when he addressed his audience as “ “you wise men” and “you men of learning.”  We will quickly notice, the more Elihu speaks he is actually flattering himself because if these learned “wise men” were willing to listen to him, they must have thought that he was more learned and wise than they. (Ugh)

We’ve all seen it, heard it, and experienced it from leaders who do this to get our attention.  Maybe, we have done it ourselves.

Elihu’s self-ambition sneaks through the facade of helping Job see the error of his ways when he compared his speaking to the “enjoyment of a tasteful and nourishing meal.” (Seriously, Elihu?)

“Oh be careful little eyes what you see, Oh, be careful little ears what you hear,

For the Father up above is looking down in love, Oh, be careful, little eyes and ears, what you see (and hear)…”

Job 34

Then Elihu said:

² “Hear my words, you wise men;
    listen to me, you men of learning.
³ For the ear tests words
    as the tongue tastes food.
⁴ Let us discern for ourselves what is right;
    let us learn together what is good.

⁵ “Job says, ‘I am innocent,
    but God denies me justice.
⁶ Although I am right,
    I am considered a liar;
although I am guiltless,
    his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.’
⁷ Is there anyone like Job,
    who drinks scorn like water?
⁸ He keeps company with evildoers;
    he associates with the wicked.
⁹ For he says, ‘There is no profit
    in trying to please God.’

¹⁰ “So listen to me, you men of understanding.
    Far be it from God to do evil,
    from the Almighty to do wrong.
¹¹ He repays everyone for what they have done;
    he brings on them what their conduct deserves.
¹² It is unthinkable that God would do wrong,
    that the Almighty would pervert justice.
¹³ Who appointed him over the earth?
    Who put him in charge of the whole world?
¹⁴ If it were his intention
    and he withdrew his spirit and breath,
¹⁵ all humanity would perish together
    and mankind would return to the dust.

¹⁶ “If you have understanding, hear this;
    listen to what I say.
¹⁷ Can someone who hates justice govern?
    Will you condemn the just and mighty One?
¹⁸ Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,’
    and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’
¹⁹ who shows no partiality to princes
    and does not favor the rich over the poor,
    for they are all the work of his hands?
²⁰ They die in an instant, in the middle of the night;
    the people are shaken and they pass away;
    the mighty are removed without human hand.

²¹ “His eyes are on the ways of mortals;
    he sees their every step.
²² There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness,
    where evildoers can hide.
²³ God has no need to examine people further,
    that they should come before him for judgment.
²⁴ Without inquiry he shatters the mighty
    and sets up others in their place.
²⁵ Because he takes note of their deeds,
    he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.
²⁶ He punishes them for their wickedness
    where everyone can see them,
²⁷ because they turned from following him
    and had no regard for any of his ways.
²⁸ They caused the cry of the poor to come before him,
    so that he heard the cry of the needy.
²⁹ But if he remains silent, who can condemn him?
    If he hides his face, who can see him?
Yet he is over individual and nation alike,
³⁰     to keep the godless from ruling,
    from laying snares for the people.

³¹ “Suppose someone says to God,
    ‘I am guilty but will offend no more.
³² Teach me what I cannot see;
    if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’
³³ Should God then reward you on your terms,
    when you refuse to repent?
You must decide, not I;
    so tell me what you know.

³⁴ “Men of understanding declare,
    wise men who hear me say to me,
³⁵ ‘Job speaks without knowledge;
    his words lack insight.’
³⁶ Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost
    for answering like a wicked man!
³⁷ To his sin he adds rebellion;
    scornfully he claps his hands among us
    and multiplies his words against God.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

When we are prompted and pulled by the Holy Spirit’s love within us to help someone see things in their lives that are hurting their humble walk with God; flattery is not necessary or helpful; in fact, it gets in the way of Truth. To become a buddy in sinful behavior so they will listen does not help either.    

Like Elihu, who heard some of Job’s words, made personal assumptions, then outlined a speech to improve his behavior without knowing the heart of Job, we sometimes do the same.  Naming the sins while making judgements is not God’s way to heal the brokenhearted who are crushed under the weight of suffering. 

Elihu argued that if God were unjust, like he thought Job was saying, then He must not see what is going on in the world. But God is omniscient and sees all things! A human judge, with human limitations, hears a case and makes the best decision he or she can, and sometimes the judge is wrong. But God sees every step we take, and we can find no place to hide from Him (Ps. 139:7–12).  So, trust God!

Job, who knew God and had a heart of love and absolute trust for God, was seeking from God what he needed to in his life so the suffering would cease.  All three friends and now Elihu, missed hearing Job’s heart and moved quickly to judgement of his sins.

Elihu finally paused in his speech to give Job opportunity to speak (v. 33), but Job said nothing. This may have angered Elihu even more, because he ended this part of the address with a terrible accusation against Job.  Did that help Job?  Nope.

Since we now know what NOT to do, let us learn to do!  What are Godly, loving ways to “bear each other’s burdens who suffer? Suffering, no matter the reason, is a burden we all bear from time to time.  What are some ways to be helpful not harmful?  Jesus has ways and Paul has the wisdom of Christ in him. 

Paul writes to all the churches in his day about this topic of burden bearing and sharing. One, of many examples, is found in Galatians 6;

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

In other words, do what Jesus did when he bent down to lift someone up from the dirt, listened as sinners spoke from their hearts, showed mercy to those who had no voice, extended grace to the ungracious, and loved to the unlovable in unlikely situations and circumstances. 

“A new command I give you, love each other,” were determined words said compassionately by Jesus to His beloved disciples at their last meal together. (John 13) These words came after Jesus took off his robe, assumed the role of a servant with wrapping a towel around his waist, then bent down to wash the dirty feet of his disciples, one of whom who would betray him that very night with a kiss. 

That kiss of flattery was deceitful. Jesus’ love is Truth.  Jesus loved and served then bore all our burdens on the cross for our sins.  Jesus is our perfect example of burden bearing. We might not be required to be crucified for another but we are definitely called to actively show love and support by providing practical help, emotional presence, and spiritual encouragement when someone is struggling and suffering. 

“There is no greater love than one who lays down his life for another.”—Jesus, speaking of Himself, John 15:14

After Jesus served the meal and washed their feet he said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”—Jesus, Luke 22:19

This loving and serving like Christ involves for us; paying attention, listening, praying, offering tangible help (like meals or errands), and sometimes “in a spirit of love” gently guiding someone struggling with sin, all while being careful not to become overwhelmed yourself so we are not consumed by sin ourselves. 

One more time, so those in the back can hear, Ways of Bearing Burdens in Love:

• Restore Gently: If someone is caught in a sin; help them recover with a spirit of gentleness, not judgment. Redirect to God’s ways to walk in truth. The gospels tell and demonstrate Christ who taught us by his examples.  Be like Jesus.
• Show Empathy and Humility: Recognize your own potential for temptation and avoid pride, knowing you are not above falling. Tell of how God helps all who seek Him.
• Provide Practical Help: Offer tangible support for physical needs, such as assisting with chores, providing meals, or helping in times of financial hardship or physical suffering.
• Offer Emotional Support: Practice the ministry of presence, listen without judgment, and offer encouraging words that are True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary and Kind. (Be led of God’s Spirit, pause to THINK before you speak.) Sometimes, no words are necessary, just our presence.
• Intercede in Prayer: Pray with and for those facing difficulties.
• Support the Weak: Specifically bear with the failings of those who are weak, rather than just focusing on your own needs.  Judge not, as Jesus warns.

This, according to Jesus’ teachings and later, Paul’s letters, such as Galatians 6:1-3, Romans 12, and others; it is not about taking on the entire load, but walking alongside others to lighten their load in a spirit of community and love. 

“Coming alongside” is hard and challenging but is also the most rewarding ministry Jesus commands us to be and do.  It is in coming alongside that God molds and shapes our hearts for our good and His glory! After all, many came alongside us in our moments of need, too!

THIS is how our active, living God works in and through us!  There is no higher calling that this but to give our time and everything else God has given to us to give to our brothers and sisters in their time of need. 

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” –Jesus, sending out his disciples in training to learn by doing, Matthew 10:7-8

And we’re singing…

“God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name. I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you To share his love as he told me to.

He said ‘Freely, freely you have received; freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.”

(Copyright © 1972 Bud John Songs/ EMI Christian Music Publishing/ Adm. by CopyCare.)

Lord,

Help us to love each other more with keen minds of wisdom, insight and understand as we come alongside others when you lead us by your Holy Spirit of love. To you be all glory, honor, and praise! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In Jesus Name, Amen