Job 32 | Wayfarer

“For I am full of words,
and the spirit within me compels me…”
Job 32:18 (NIV)

I once had a boss who was fond of a saying:

When I was in my 20s I was a fine young man.
When I was in my 30s I was a young man.
When I was in my 40s I was a man.
When I turned 50, I became one of the boys.

I was in my 20s back then, and I remember getting tired of hearing him repeat it. I also remember observing my boss and his “old boys” network. What was ironic to me was the foolishness and blind spots that I witnessed amidst the hubris of aged wisdom.

When I was a young man, I memorized Paul’s words to a young Timothy when he wrote: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. And, I endeavored to live by them. In some ways, I was successful. I enjoyed some amazing experiences for a young person. In other ways, however, I was still a foolish young man. There are certain aspects of wisdom that I discovered are gained only with age and life experience.

In today’s chapter, we meet a fourth companion of Job, young Eli, who has been sitting and listening to Job and his three friends this whole time. Young Eli has been “quick to listen and slow to speak,” but with Job’s closing argument he can no longer keep silent. He tells his four elders that he has a lot of words, and boy does he. We’ll be reading young Eli’s words all week long.

Young Eli begins by noting his deference to the four elders, explaining that it is out of respect to their age that he has kept silent. He then points out that Job and the three elders have run out of words in a stalemate, but he has something to add to the argument that the others have failed to say.

Along my life journey, I have observed that, in general, there is a certain wisdom that comes with age. At the same time, I have also observed young people with wisdom beyond their years as well as foolish elders who appear to have missed picking up wisdom along life’s road. As young Eli says in today’s chapter:

“But it is the spirit in a person,
the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
It is not only the old who are wise,
not only the aged who understand what is right.“

In the quiet this morning, I find myself contemplating wisdom. I hope that I never stop gaining wisdom on this life journey, but I also desire that I should gain humility in equal measure, and love more than the two combined.

If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.

I too will have my say;
I too will tell what I know.
For I am full of words,
and the spirit within me compels me;
Job 32:17-18 (NIV)

Wendy and I often joke about the differences between men and women when it comes to words. I have heard it said, and perhaps it’s an old wives tale, that women have more words than men. Yet, I am reminded of Tolkien’s wisdom when he wrote, “Pay heed to the tales of old wives. It may well be that they alone keep in memory what it was once needful for the wise to know.”

There are often nights, especially when I’ve been on the road for a week and Wendy has been sequestered along at home, that our heads hit the pillows yet a steady stream of conversation emanates from Wendy’s side of the bed. I quietly strain to maintain consciousness. Wendy will turn and see my struggle and laugh.

“Can you tell that I still have a lot of words?” she’ll ask.

I nod silently.

“But you’ve been gone all week and I haven’t had anyone to talk to!” she’ll exclaim as she cuddles in next to me.

Just the other night at a Christmas party, I realized that it’s not just a Mars and Venus issue. I have grown quieter in social settings over the years. When I was younger I had a lot more words. I was a steady stream of youthful conversation, wisdom, and diatribes. I speak less today than I did back then. I tend to ask more questions. I ponder more. I mull things over more in my head. Words are more precious to me than they used to be, and they carry more meaning for me. I am more mindful of wasting them.

In today’s chapter, we unexpectedly meet a devout young man named Elihu (his name means “He is my God”). Elihu has been waiting in the wings listening to Job and his three friends debate. The young man finally speaks, and he is honest when he says, “I am full of words.” We’re going to get five straight chapters of his youthful exuberance starting today.

Today, Elihu has me thinking about words. Despite my speaking less than I used, I still feel like I talk more than is good for myself or others. I’m pondering the wisdom of knowing when to speak and when to be silent. As we enter a week full of family and friends, I want to hear more and speak with purpose.