Words have far greater power than we can imagine. In words there is comfort, but at the same time there is the potential to hurt. The wisdom of a person can also be seen when he speaks at the right time in the right situation. Unfortunately, many people think that the most important thing is to speak and express their opinions without considering the accuracy of the words and the right momentum when the words are uttered. This is what is seen in Elihu's expressions.

Elihu was so annoyed to see Job's three friends as if they were powerless when attacked by Job's various opinions. Meanwhile, at the beginning of chapter 32, it is seen how Elihu disagreed with Job who he thought was so arrogant because he dared to blame and sue God. Although Job's friends were older than him, it did not guarantee wisdom and understanding of justice. That is why it was time for someone from the younger generation, namely Elihu himself, to act, to express his views.

If Job's friends felt that only God could defeat him, then Elihu felt that there was another way to defeat him. Therefore, Elihu learned from the mistakes of Job's friends and decided to use a different approach. In his opinion, Elihu emphasized his 'I', as if describing Elihu's existence as a prophet who brought God's message to be delivered. The words had to be delivered because if not, it could be like wine that did not get air and like a new wineskin that would burst. When grape juice ferments, gas is produced, and the wineskin (wine container) will burst, if the gas cannot escape. This description is to emphasize the words that Elihu had to say. From here it can actually be seen that even though the words were spoken, they were actually in the wrong situation. Elihu’s motivation was to correct Job and uphold his own “theological view.” In fact, what Job faced was a real suffering that needed compassion rather than justification of opinions and the supremacy of a certain view.

Friends of the Bible, let us ask God to be given sensitivity in speaking or expressing opinions. Isn’t our life experience so far more than enough to prove that many conflicts and misunderstandings occur because of the words spoken? Living in God’s wisdom means practicing self-control and going through the process of placing our words and actions solely on His guidance.