Overview:
Selections from Job 32–37
A fourth man, Elihu, now emerged to speak to Job. He had waited for his turn, but once it came he didn’t stop talking until he had delivered what amounts to six chapters in the Bible! Elihu delivered four uninterrupted speeches, which were more effective at the beginning and end than in the middle. His own admission says it all: “I am full of words” (32:18). He was also full of himself. Being younger, he was rash. Being angry, he talked too long. Elihu made four mistakes that are worth analyzing. But in his final speech he delivered some reliable truth, which can be summed up in six words: it is all about our God!
Message Summary:
In “Another Long-Winded Monologue,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the entry of Elihu, the fourth and youngest speaker in the Book of Job. After the three older friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—have exhausted their arguments, Elihu breaks his long silence. Covering Job 32–37, this message analyzes the four uninterrupted speeches Elihu delivers, which Swindoll describes as being “full of words” and often full of himself.
While Elihu is rash and angry, his presence serves as a pivotal bridge in the narrative. Swindoll breaks down four significant mistakes Elihu made, providing a warning for those who seek to counsel others in pain. However, despite his shortcomings, Elihu’s final speech pivots toward the majesty of God, setting the stage for the Almighty to speak from the whirlwind. The ultimate takeaway is a powerful reminder: when we stop focusing on our own arguments, we realize it is all about our God.
Message Key Facts:
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The “Wait-and-Speak” Approach: Elihu waited for the older men to finish out of respect for their age, but his subsequent anger led to a monologue spanning six chapters.
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The Error of Rashness: As a younger man, Elihu’s zeal often overrode his wisdom, illustrating the danger of speaking out of frustration rather than empathy.
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Bridge to the Whirlwind: Elihu’s final words shift the focus from human suffering and legalistic debate to the incomprehensible power and glory of the Creator.
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The “Full of Words” Trap: Swindoll highlights Elihu’s own admission (“I am full of words”) as a cautionary tale about prioritizing the volume of one’s speech over the depth of one’s heart.
Message References:
Scripture: Selections from Job 32–37
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Job 32:1–5: The introduction of Elihu and the reason for his burning anger against both Job and his three friends.
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Job 32:18–20: Elihu’s admission of his inward pressure to speak, describing himself as “full of words.”
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Job 33:14–30: Elihu’s argument that God uses suffering as a “discipline” or a warning to keep humans from the pit of destruction.
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Job 36:22–33: The pivot toward God’s greatness, acknowledging that no one can teach the Almighty.
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Job 37:23–24: The conclusion of the monologue: “The Almighty—we cannot find Him; He is exalted in power… Therefore men fear Him.”
Core Principles for Life
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Beware of “Angry Counseling”: When you are frustrated with someone’s pain or their response to it, you are in no position to offer them spiritual guidance. Anger talk is usually too long and lacks grace.
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Volume is Not Wisdom: Being “full of words” does not mean you are full of the Spirit. Practice the discipline of brevity, especially when speaking to the brokenhearted.
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Recognize the Discipline of God: While not all suffering is a result of specific sin (as Elihu mistakenly assumed), God does use difficult seasons to “open our ears” and refine our character.
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Shift the Focus to God: The goal of any spiritual conversation should be to move the focus away from human problems and toward the character of the Almighty.
