Elihu is a young man that had waited and listened carefully to the words spoken between long-time friends. Righteous anger was aroused as he recognized and then scolded the men for much dialogue with no solutions. It was apparent that this young man as a potential leader and spokesman had attentively followed all that had occurred in Job's life and offers a different viewpoint.

When the reality of pain and suffering is intense, we can often reflect upon and wish for the past. Instead of stating further grievances, Job began to describe how life used to be with his family and his relationship with God.

Despite the fact of evil and sinfulness surrounding them, Job asserts that God is sovereign and very attentive to care for both the just and the unjust. His majesty is presented in the general revelation of nature and in the skies and heavens that daily display His works!

Why does it appear that good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people? Do the wicked and the immoral truly achieve the level of greatness that appearances lead us to believe? There are many that still ask these questions and it causes some to lose faith and make poor decisions.

Rereading the words of Job's friends and grasping the challenges they bring should cause us to stop and consider the words we speak to people in distress. Are our words comforting or condemning? Do we speak religious terms and philosophic cliches that end up hurting broken hearts more than if we had kept silent?

Job was confident in his position with the Lord despite the accusations and overwhelming stillness of God. Job's innocence is declared, and he is ready to defend it before God. It is so comforting to know that we have a mediator today who intercedes on behalf of us and defends our case (1 John 2:1-2).

Why does God allow the righteous to suffer and endure such difficulties? Why are the ears and hands of God seemingly against those who have served and spoken for Him? Job raises questions, and it brings a response from his "friend" once again. This friend's response is based on his own understanding of God's dealing with men.

Job desired to hear from his friends because his cries to God were not answered. While a friend's intentions may be good and the desire to encourage or correct may exist, they are human and can give faulty answers! James 1:19 says, "... let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak...". At times, the best friend is a good listener, not a counselor.

Circumstances are not always what they appear to be. At times it is wise to look and investigate a bit deeper to determine the real cause of events! Good men do face adversity and times of struggle! In the first 11 chapters of Genesis the person and work of Satan is not mentioned very often.

Promises are important to people and the promises that are kept are often the things that make memories! Everyone anticipates a pledge being fulfilled and it defines a person as to their character and integrity. God made a promise in chapters 8-9 as the waters recede and the earth becomes habitable again.