Our Opinions’ Limits

Elihu made it clear: He felt obligated to declare his “opinion” about what had happened to Job and why. The Hebrew word here is used only five times in the Bible, and only by Elihu. It means what we know. This word was central to Elihu’s comments and what we learn from them. He might have thought he was speaking for God, but primarily he talked about what he knew. His opinions.

In fact, his comments were subjective and reflected his limits, personal experiences, and prejudices. They were the comments of a young man who, at first, was restrained by his inexperience. Initially, he felt he did not have the discernment necessary to help Job, or contribute to the conversation. But then, he put aside these reservations.

All of us, like Elihu, have opinions. Opinions about the things we have done and said. Opinions about the situations we face. Opinions about what we should do in the future. Opinions about other people and world conditions. Opinions about the Bible and the Christian faith. But all of us must remember the limits of our opinions. Even in our wisest moments, we still only “know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Today, remember your limits. Remember to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).