Then these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned against Job; his anger burned because he justified himself before God. And his anger burned against his three friends because they had found no answer, yet they had condemned Job. Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were years older than he. But when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, his anger burned. (Job 32:1-5)

Elihu means ‘He is My God.’ There are different interpretations of Elihu’s character. Some say he is no different from Job’s three friends, but God did not rebuke Elihu in the end. I see him as a man filled with the Holy Spirit.

It came about after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is trustworthy, as My servant Job has. (Job 42:7)

Elihu is a unique character who speaks on behalf of God, much like a prophet. Perhaps he is even a manifestation of God in human form. He appeared before God’s direct rebuke, much like Jesus Christ. Elihu knows God and proclaims, “He is my God.”

In this chapter, Elihu expresses his anger toward Job and his three friends. Job considered himself righteous and accused God of being unjust. His three friends tried to rebuke him, but they failed to explain why only God is truly righteous. Neither Job nor his friends understood God’s plan for His Kingdom. They were narrow-sighted and refused to consider anything beyond this earthly life. They believed in righteousness through works.

Two reformations have passed, yet many churches still emphasize performing good deeds before others. Churches often preach lies instead of the truth. They no longer believe in or proclaim Sola Gratia. As works of the law have taken precedence over faith, people now judge others based on outward actions. It is easy to deceive others with smooth words and charitable acts. Like the Pharisees, people prefer the praise of others over speaking truth that may offend. Today, churches have become a comfortable place for hypocrites. Hypocrites run the churches. The blind lead the blind. Speaking the truth in church often brings isolation and requires boldness and deep conviction. It is not born of self-will or self-righteousness. It is the Holy Spirit who opens our mouths to speak.

Let me be partial to no one,
Nor flatter any man.
For I do not know how to flatter,
Otherwise my Maker would quickly take me away. (vv. 21-22)

This is why a true Christian often undergoes much suffering—because there are few who truly understand. Consider the life and legacy of Athanasius of Alexandria. He was exiled five times because the emperor was aligned with the heretic Arius. Despite intense pressure from all sides, Athanasius did not deny the truth.

But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who are speaking, but it is the Spirit of your Father who is speaking in you. (Matthew 10:19-20)