Isn’t it wonderful how even once science can explain all of the molecular and chemical makeup of the world, and physics and mathematics can measure and calculate the forces and interactions, that there is so much beyond the reach of mere men to understand — let alone architect such a wonderful, complex, perfect and stunning design, build out, maintain it, etc.
What is an ant in the yard of a man that decides to bite the man’s foot? Will the man ask the ant why he has done this or simply crush the ant and move on to whatever he was doing (and never remember the ant again once any hint of the sting has left). In fact, the ant itself isn’t what is remembered, but the sting. And how much higher is God above man than man is above ant? Yet, He doesn’t just toss us or Job aside.
Job 32:6-10 NLT Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think. I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’ But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. Sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice. So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think.
I’m reminded of the snowman from the stop motion Christmas classic “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” when he replied “Ah youth” after Rudolph’s friend Fireball talks eagerly about showing off in front of the does at the reindeer games.
I wonder how often in my youth, I waited for the opportunity to prove my teachers wrong — to puff my chest and show off my intelligence — to have the “last word”.
It isn’t lost on me that Job had just before this described how people used to listen when he spoke, and here this young one is coming right behind him expecting to speak last and leave everyone quiet.
Job 29:21-23 NLT “Everyone listened to my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak. And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them. They longed for me to speak as people long for rain. They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain.
But in just a few chapters when this young Elihu finishes his rant, we will see who has the last word. And it won’t be Elihu, or Job, or Job’s friends. It will be who always has the final word in such things, God.
Too often in life, I want to tell what I think. And even after plenty of correction and discipline from the Lord on this matter, it can still prove to be a challenge. It doesn’t matter what I think; it matters what His Word says.
I’ll say that again
It doesn’t matter what I think; it matters what His Word says.
When I read Proverbs 1, I can’t help but consider leaders who have been warned and corrected by those they rule over (like authoritarians instead of serving the public). I’m reminded of those people who refuse to listen to input and advice from the people who actually “know” and “do” everything. These types of foolish leaders usually have an agenda or a bribe that is influencing them to make foolish decisions only based on that single agenda rather than considering all of the important factors and impacts of their decisions.
So when we see leaders who will not listen, who are driven by a personal agenda, who are bought by bribes, who do not serve the public, and who have no fear of God, we should realize that calamity will come for them.
Proverbs 1:23-33 NLT Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you— when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you. “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”
And we should consider this same warning for ourselves. Do we truly listen and consider information and advice from those we lead, and do we seek what God has to say to us?
Thank you Lord for wisdom. Thank you that we do not have to gain it just by making the mistakes ourselves and figuring it out, but we can listen to the wisdom that is gathered in your Word, and that we can seek you out for wisdom in prayer and fasting. Thank you for your gentle correction when we have been foolish and your mercy to forgive us as we repent. For your glory and honor, surround us with a hedge of protection so that we might be voice of light crying out into the darkness, “Listen to wisdom. Repent, Turn away from your foolishness, and return to the Lord.” so that many ships will avoid shipwreck but instead be saved. Amen.
Harold J. Ballinger 