THEOSISGregory the Great
Let the wise engage with me, and let those of understanding lend me their ears. However, Job's words were foolish, lacking in gravity. Job 34:34-35. This reflects his inner thoughts as he, seemingly in a spirit of humility, invites the revered Job to share. Had the esteemed Job desired to speak, he would have conferred upon him his disdain, as though Job's message was beyond his grasp. Elihu believed Job was unworthy, not only of dialogue but even of attentive listening, promptly declaring, "Let those of wisdom hear me." It was as if he suggested that this man, who ought not to speak, was undeserving of even the wisdom of others. He explicitly demonstrates his low opinion of Job by stating that Job spoke foolishness and lacked severity in his words.
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Elihu perceived that Job's claim of righteousness was weak, believing him to lack the seriousness required in such a declaration. However, Elihu might have been correct if the very Author of righteousness had not validated Job's assertions about himself. Job contended that he was unjustly punished, with God declaring he faced adversity without cause. Is it pretentious to affirm the suffering one's truth that mirrors the words of the One who administers justice? Those who excessively shy away from pride often fall into the trap of falsehood. They betray their own arrogance in this denial, as they oppose the very truth they have abandoned. The one who acknowledges their true virtues in times of need demonstrates greater humility as they cling to reality. Was Paul not humble when, fueled by his commitment to truth against false apostles, he recounted numerous commendable deeds? Concealing his good qualities would have made him a foe of the truth, enabling deceivers to thrive. Yet, the arrogant tend to misjudge the righteous, focusing on superficial phrasing rather than the substance of their actions. Elihu thus misinterpreted Job's words, believing them to lack severity. As the prideful often extend their disdain to the weight of condemnation, he quickly joined forces against the esteemed Job, almost as if addressing God.