Elihu begins his speeches.  Elihu’s arguments overlap Job’s three friends, but his focus seems to be more on Job’s words against God rather than any prior sin.

• God the Giver – Elihu rightly says that God is the giver of wisdom (32:8). As Job said earlier, wisdom is found in God.  Are you seeking wisdom from God for your life?  God is also the giver of life (33:4).  Are you using his gift of life well?  Are you wasting his gift in any way?
• God cannot do wrong – Elihu rightly asserts that God cannot act wickedly or pervert justice (34:10-12). Job’s fault is that he has spoken against God (34:37).  When you don’t understand a situation, do you speak against God?  Or will you trust him?

Job remembers his life before when he was honored, and considers his life now when he is ridiculed.  Then he considers various sins he has not committed.

• Lust and adultery – Job says that he has made a covenant with his eyes, and that his heart has not been enticed. Do you need to make a similar covenant?  In what ways are you guarding your eyes and heart?  In what ways do you need to?
• Purpose of wealth – Job says he has used his wealth for good. He does not trust in his wealth (which is a good thing since his life demonstrates how quickly it can disappear).  He uses his wealth to help the poor and the traveler.  Are there ways you are trusting in your wealth?  How are you using your wealth to help others?

Bildad continues his theme that man is not righteous before God.  Job continues to claim his righteousness.

• God’s power – Job continues in chapter 26 what will become gigantic theme in the latter part of the book – God’s power over creation. Go outside again and ponder God’s power in his creation.
• Wisdom – Job speaks of wisdom in chapter 28. Wisdom is of great value – greater than wealth.  Wisdom is found with God.  We are wise when we fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  For what situation do you need to seek wisdom from God?  Are you living wisely?

Bildad and Zophar continue the theme that the wicked are judged and perish.  Job retorts that often the wicked prosper.  Meanwhile he has been alienated from everyone because of his suffering.

• Redeemer – In the midst of his speech decrying his alienation from everyone, he proclaims that his Redeemer lives – and one day Job will see him. In your suffering, will you remember your Redeemer?  Do you look forward to seeing him?
• Retribution – Job’s friends believe that wickedness brings suffering; therefore Job must be wicked because he is suffering. While this is often true, Job points out that the wicked do not always suffer in this life.  And it is clear from the first chapters that even righteous people like Job can suffer in this life.  There are many reasons people suffer.  We cannot be like Job’s friends and judge people because of their suffering.

Eliphaz continues to argue that wickedness leads to suffering.  Job speaks of his suffering and a lack of hope in death.  Note:

• Weeping – Job’s face is red with weeping (16:16), and his friends have proven to be miserable comforters (16:2). When have you wept?  Who has comforted you?  How did they do it?  How might your experience help you comfort others?
• Hope – Job finds no hope in his death, for he seeks God’s restoration to show his innocence. While Job found no hope in death, what hope do you have in death because of Christ?  Where do you seek hope in your trials?

Zophar bluntly tells Job that he is guilty and needs to repent.  Job responds by saying that God reigns over all and brings death to all.  Consider:

• God holds life – God holds the life of all in his hand (12:10). He has numbered our days (14:5).  We exist by his power and will.  Let us flee proud thoughts of our own sufficiency, and let us humble ourselves before our Creator.
• God’s wisdom – God has wisdom, counsel, and understanding, and he has might to carry out his wise plans (12:13). In the midst of trials, will we trust his wisdom instead of leaning on our own understanding?

Bildad argues that sin leads to suffering, and so Job must repent.  Job again claims his innocence, wondering who can contend against God.  He feels as if God is contending against him.  Observe:

• Great God – Job wonders how he can contend with God, going on to describe God’s greatness in his control over creation. Wander outside and ponder God’s great power over creation.
• Mediator – Job longs for a mediator between God and himself (9:33). Jesus came to be that mediator (I Timothy 2:5) through whom we can approach God.