The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel- HOW ELIHU COUNSELED JOB

 When offering counsel, Elihu did so in way that dignified faithful man. For example, Elihu used Job's name, which the other three men apparently did not. (Read Job 33:1.) Perhaps remembering his own strong desire to speak while Job and his companions argued, Elihu also empathetically offered Job a chance to respond to his counsel. (Job 32:4; 33:32) Elihu also clearly warned Job of the danger of some of his reasoning and kindly reminded him of Jehovah's wisdom, power, justice, and loyal love. (Job 36:18, 21-26; 37:23, 24) Elihu's good counsel no doubt put Job in the right frame of mind to receive addition instruction, this time from his Creator. (Job 38:1-3) How could the example of Elihu have benefited those in the past, and how can it benefit us today? 

How the Israelites could have benefited.  Throughout Israel's history, Jehovah appointed prophets to make his purpose known to the Israelites. For example, during the period of the judges, Deborah provided motherly spiritual guidance to the nation and Samuel tirelessly served as Jehovah's spokesman from his youth. (Judges 4:4-7; 5:7; 1 Samuel 3:19, 20) Then during the time of the kings, Jehovah provided an almost continuous line of prophets to strengthen his people spiritually and to give advice to those who strayed from pure worship. (2 Samuel 12:1-4; Acts 3:24) Elihu's example recorded in the book of Job had the potential to help faithful men and women to understand what to say and how to say it when giving counsel. 

Next time:  The Book of Job Can Help You When You Counsel - How Elihu Counseled Job - Conclusion

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