When Job conversed with his friends... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Now because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Job.
Job 32:4

When Job conversed with his friends, Elihu remained silent because he was younger than they were. He listened attentively to what each one said. Surely, he knew a lot about God and His ways, but he didn’t engage in a discussion. He waited patiently and humbly until the others had finished. Meanwhile, God gave him insight into His thoughts and wisdom for the situation. Therefore, when Elihu’s time to speak came, he found the right words for Job.

We often lack the patience to wait. We speak immediately and thus miss the right moment. Then we find that a conversation doesn’t develop as we expected. We need the grace of the Lord to be able to wait on Him. When we live in conscious dependence on Him, He can make His thoughts clear to us and guide us on His path.

For younger Christians, Elihu is an example to let the older, experienced believers speak first. If the Lord wills, He also gives younger ones the opportunity to say something. In his considerate interaction with Job, Elihu also sets a good example for them. He fulfils what the apostle wrote to his younger co-worker Timothy: “Do not rebuke an older man” (1 Timothy 5:1).

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath …”

(James 1:19)

Today’s reading: Lamentations 4:7-22 · Psalms 45:11-17