God Uses the Youth

In Job 32 we are introduced to a 5th person named Elihu.

Job 32:1–5 (ESV) So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. 3 He burned with anger also at Job’s three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.

Elihu is a young man (note the anger) who stood by during the conversation has found the arguments of Job and the three friends wanting. Now the question before us is, who is this guy? We know who his father is and who his people are but what's his deal? Does he speak truth? Is his anger justified? 

Elihu's name means, "He is my God."

The first thing he states is that youths should listen while the elders should speak:

Job 32:6–7 (ESV) And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: “I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you. 7 I said, ‘Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.’

But here's the first truth I find in Elihu - the youth can be used! Why do we ONLY think old men and long-time Christians can be used of God? Scripture shows us the very opposite. Now, before you think Elihu is in the wrong, consider that God NEVER condemns or corrects him like He will of the first three friends and even Job himself at the end of the book.

Elihu knows something we all need to hear:

Job 32:8–9 (ESV) But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. 9 It is not the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right.

God can take a new believer and turn him into a might person of faith and truth. It only took the disciples three years with Jesus to turn the world upside down. Gideon was young and inexperienced, David was the youngest of 8, Jeremiah was only a lad. What did God do? He gave them the Spirit and they were used. 

Now that being said, look at what else Elihu did:

Job 32:11–12 (ESV) “Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your wise sayings, while you searched out what to say. 12 I gave you my attention, and, behold, there was none among you who refuted Job or who answered his words.

He listened to the aged FIRST. Let us not develop youth who are proud and arrogant so as not to listen. 

Then he speaks what the Lord has put in him:

Job 32:17–18 (ESV) I also will answer with my share; I also will declare my opinion. 18 For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.

And when he speaks, he does so humbly:

Job 32:21–22 (ESV) I will not show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person. 22 For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away.

His refusal to flatter is important. We flatter when we want someone's approval. This is where dishonesty comes from. Before you know it, we are catering to people's opinions rather than declaring God's truth. 

So Elihu exhibits a powerful combination. Let the young people take note. You can be used, you must listen and when you do speak, let it be what God puts in you, and most of all, regard not their opinion. If a young person gets a hold of these principles - they would be unstoppable.