Job, and his friends were both pretty clear on “what” had happened. Where they differed was on the “why.”

For Job’s friends it was pretty clear, “You’re suffering because something’s wrong with you — you must have sinned some pretty great sin.”

For Job, effectively he’d been wrestling with the conclusion that, “I’m suffering because there’s something wrong with God.” There was something He had missed about Job. Something He had gotten confused about as to how the righteous on earth should be treated by a Sovereign in heaven. While Job didn’t want to actually say God is unjust, if it walks like a duck and it talks like a duck, well then . . .

(That may be an over-simplification, but hey, I only have a few minutes to get this thought down).

Elihu, the youngster who’s decided to add his two cents to the conversation, presents another approach to processing and responding to the enigma of Job’s suffering.

“Has anyone said to God, ‘I have borne punishment; I will not offend any more; teach me what I do not see; if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more’?”

(Job 34:31 ESV)

Teach me what I do not see . . . Those are the words I’m chewing on this morning.

Job’s friend are so sure they know what must be going on behind the curtain they indict Job with no evidence. Job’s thinks he knows all there is to know about the quid pro quo of blessing for righteousness obedience that he is increasingly emboldened to demand his day in court — not just before the Judge, but to question the Judge. But Elihu presents another way.

Teach me what I do not see.

Point out what I’m missing. Direct me towards the key which opens the door to understanding.

“God,” Job might say, “I know me and that I have a lived a life that has been blameless and upright, a life as one who fears God and has turned away from evil (Job 1:1). And God, I know that You know me (Job 1:8) because You know all things (Job 21:22). And I know that with You, LORD of all, is all wisdom and might and counsel and understanding (Job 12:13). So, help me make sense of what’s going on right now.” Teach me what I do not see . . .

Job’s suffering led his friends to a hardening. So sure were they as they theologized that they were unable to sympathize.

Job’s suffering ultimately led him to a certain hubris. So sure was he of himself that he ended up calling into question the righteousness and justice of his Sovereign.

But says, Elihu, what if we let our sufferings lead us to humility? What if our bewilderments concerning life’s circumstance moved us to bowing before the One who knows everything, as we admit that, in comparison, we really know very little? What if our confidence in God’s holiness and goodness comforted us in our pain and beckoned us to be still and ask to grow in understanding?

What if the petition of the psalmist — who would write well after Elihu spoke — had become Job’s prayer?

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

(Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

Teach me what I do not see . . .

That’s another approach.

By His grace. For His glory.