So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 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. 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. Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger. 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..’I said, ‘Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.' But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. It is not the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right.

Elihu, a young man, was observant, yet appropriately respectful in allowing the three elder friends to present their arguments regarding Job's estate. He penetrated all the torrent of words which were addressed towards Job's unrighteousness rather than accept the LORD's statement that Job was a righteous man (Job 1:1). But likewise, he saw that Job was determined to justify himself rather than God.

I need to properly allow others to speak and not demand a measure of respect due to my age.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 3

Mid-day: 119:81-88

Evening: Psalm 78

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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  All Scripture is taken from the ESV unless otherwise noted. A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/52-general-downloads. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.