Speaking About God vs. Representing Him
The story of Job is one of the most wonderfully complex narratives in all of Scripture, and the dialogues within it continue to challenge us today. We often focus on Job’s three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—who misrepresented God and received a stern rebuke for it (Job 42:7-9). But what about Elihu? His speech stands out as different, yet God does not acknowledge him in His final response.
Here’s the intriguing thought: Elihu speaks more about God than for God. While his words are filled with truth about God’s greatness and justice, Elihu still seems preoccupied with explaining Job’s suffering rather than truly leading Job back to God.
This distinction is worth exploring: Are we speaking about God—defending, analyzing, or explaining Him—or are we truly representing Him, pointing others into His presence? If we’re honest, it’s easy to cross that line without realizing it. Let’s dig into this difference and examine what Scripture teaches us.
Elihu: Speaking About God
Elihu’s speech spans Job 32–37 and differs in tone and content from Job’s other friends. He doesn’t accuse Job of hidden sin, nor does he argue in clichés. Instead, he focuses on defending God’s character and justice. At first glance, Elihu appears to be a voice of clarity:
He exalts God’s greatness: “God is greater than man” (Job 33:12).
He points to God’s justice: “Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to commit iniquity” (Job 34:10).
He describes God’s majesty: “God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend” (Job 37:5).
Elihu says many true things about God. He defends God’s justice and reminds Job of God’s sovereign power and wisdom. Yet despite his eloquence and accuracy, Elihu fails to do what Job ultimately needs: he doesn’t lead Job into a deeper encounter with God Himself.
The Subtle Difference: Speaking For God
To speak for God is to truly represent Him, not just explain Him. It means pointing others directly to His presence, His voice, and His truth—without leaning on our own understanding. This requires humility, dependence on the Spirit, and a clear focus on God’s purposes.
Paul encourages believers:
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Colossians 4:5-6).
The Holy Spirit equips us to reflect God’s heart through words that are thoughtful, intentional, and Spirit-led. Representing Him faithfully isn’t about defending Him or explaining Him; it’s about drawing others closer to Him.
Elihu’s Missing Piece: Leading to God’s Presence
The problem with Elihu’s counsel isn’t that it’s wrong; it’s incomplete. Job doesn’t need an intellectual defense of God’s character—he needs to see God for himself. Ultimately, this is what happens in Job 38–42, when God speaks directly to Job out of the whirlwind. Job’s response is not to argue or analyze but to worship:
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6).
God’s presence accomplished what Elihu’s words never could. Job was humbled, comforted, and transformed—not by an explanation, but by encountering the living God.
The Danger of Over-Explaining God
Here’s where this becomes personal. How often do we, like Elihu, try to explain God when someone is suffering? We may say true things about Him:
“God is sovereign.”
“He’s working all things for good.”
“His ways are higher than ours.”
While these statements are true, they can fall flat if we’re not careful. Why? Because in moments of deep pain, people don’t need explanations as much as they need God Himself. Our job is not to defend or analyze God but to gently and humbly lead others to Him.
Examples from Scripture:
Moses: When the Israelites were afraid, Moses didn’t explain God—he pointed them to Him. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).
Jesus: When Martha grieved over Lazarus, Jesus didn’t explain why he died—He revealed Himself. “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
Paul: In weakness and suffering, Paul didn’t rely on explanations but on God’s presence. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
How to Represent God Faithfully
If we want to avoid Elihu’s mistake and truly represent God, here are a few principles to keep in mind:
1. Point People to God, Not Answers
When someone is suffering, resist the urge to explain or analyze their situation. Instead, remind them of God’s presence. Encourage them to seek Him in His Word, through prayer, and in worship. Job didn’t need explanations about God—he needed to encounter God directly. Our role is to help others focus on Him, not on the “why” of their circumstances.
2. Speak with Humility
Elihu’s speeches are marked by self-assurance. He says things like, “Listen to me; I will teach you wisdom” (Job 33:33). In contrast, true representatives of God speak with humility, acknowledging their own limitations. When we counsel others, it’s okay to admit we don’t have all the answers. Humility leaves room for God to work in ways beyond our understanding.
3. Rely on the Holy Spirit
Paul reminds us in Colossians 4:5-6:
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
To represent God faithfully, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our words. Before speaking, pause to pray: “Lord, let me speak Your words, not mine.” Spirit-led words reflect humility, grace, and wisdom, pointing others to God’s heart rather than relying on our understanding. Speaking for God isn’t about always having the perfect answer—it’s about trusting Him to speak through us in the moment.
4. Be Present
Sometimes the best way to represent God is simply to be there. Job’s friends got it right in the beginning when they sat with him in silence (Job 2:13). In our desire to help, we can sometimes say too much. Often, quiet presence is a more powerful reminder of God’s love and comfort than any words we could offer.
5. Trust God to Work
Ultimately, it is God—not us—who brings comfort, clarity, and transformation. We cannot “fix” someone’s suffering, and we don’t need to try. Our role is to point others to Him and trust Him to do the rest. Remember, God’s presence did what Elihu’s words could not—He revealed Himself to Job and brought healing.
Conclusion: Are We Speaking About God or Representing Him?
Elihu’s words remind us of a sobering truth: it’s possible to say right things about God while still missing His heart. Let’s not settle for speaking about God when we are called to represent Him—to humbly point others to His presence, His truth, and His grace.
The next time we find ourselves trying to counsel someone who is struggling, let’s pause. Let’s pray. Let’s ask ourselves:
Am I just explaining God, or am I pointing them to Him?
Am I relying on my wisdom, or am I allowing His Spirit to guide my words?
As Job discovered, nothing changes hearts more powerfully than encountering God Himself. May we be faithful to lead others to Him, that they too might say:
“Now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5).
Scripture for Reflection:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Let’s ask God to help us be His humble, faithful representatives—speaking not just about Him, but for Him.
What are your thoughts on Elihu’s counsel? Have you ever found yourself trying to explain God when you should have been pointing others to Him? Share your reflections—I’d love to hear from you.