Job 36:4
For truly my words are free of falsehood; one perfect in knowledge is with you.
For truly
The phrase "For truly" serves as a strong assertion, emphasizing the speaker's confidence and sincerity. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "אָמְנָם" (omnam), which conveys a sense of certainty and truthfulness. This introduction sets the tone for the speaker's claim, underscoring the reliability and earnestness of the message that follows. In the context of the Book of Job, this phrase is a declaration of the speaker's intention to convey wisdom and truth, aligning with the broader biblical theme that God’s wisdom is ultimate and trustworthy.

my words are free of falsehood
The phrase "my words are free of falsehood" highlights the integrity and truthfulness of the speaker's message. The Hebrew word for "falsehood" is "שֶׁקֶר" (sheker), which means deception or lie. This assurance of truthfulness is crucial in the context of Job, where various voices offer differing perspectives on suffering and divine justice. The speaker, Elihu, is asserting that his insights are not tainted by deceit, reflecting a commitment to honesty and aligning with the biblical principle that God values truth and despises falsehood.

one perfect in knowledge
The phrase "one perfect in knowledge" refers to the speaker's claim of possessing complete and flawless understanding. The Hebrew word for "perfect" is "תָּמִים" (tamim), which implies completeness, integrity, and wholeness. "Knowledge" in Hebrew is "דַּעַת" (da'at), signifying understanding or insight. This claim of perfect knowledge is significant in the context of the Book of Job, where human understanding is often contrasted with divine wisdom. Elihu's assertion can be seen as a reflection of the belief that true wisdom and understanding come from God, who alone is perfect in knowledge.

is with you
The phrase "is with you" indicates the presence and availability of this perfect knowledge to the listener. In the Hebrew text, the word "עִמָּכֶם" (immakhem) is used, meaning "with you" or "among you." This suggests that the wisdom being imparted is not distant or inaccessible but is present and relevant to the audience. In the broader biblical narrative, this reflects the idea that God’s wisdom is available to those who seek it, and His presence is a source of guidance and understanding in times of trial and uncertainty. This assurance of divine wisdom being "with you" offers comfort and encouragement, reinforcing the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elihu
A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering a perspective on Job's suffering. He claims to speak with wisdom and understanding.

2. Job
A righteous man who undergoes severe trials and suffering, questioning the reasons behind his afflictions.

3. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom, often attributing it to sin.

4. God
The ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge, whose understanding surpasses human comprehension.

5. The Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job, his friends, and Elihu, exploring themes of suffering, justice, and divine wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Source of True Wisdom
Elihu claims his words are free of falsehood, suggesting that true wisdom and knowledge come from God. Believers should seek divine wisdom rather than relying solely on human understanding.

Humility in Knowledge
While Elihu speaks confidently, his assertion reminds us to approach knowledge with humility, recognizing that only God is perfect in knowledge.

Discernment in Listening
Elihu's speech encourages discernment in evaluating the words of others. Believers should weigh teachings against the truth of Scripture.

The Role of Suffering
Elihu's perspective invites reflection on the purpose of suffering, encouraging believers to trust in God's perfect knowledge and plan.

Integrity in Speech
Elihu's claim of speaking truthfully challenges believers to maintain integrity in their words, ensuring they align with God's truth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Elihu's claim of speaking truthfully challenge us to evaluate the sources of wisdom we rely on in our lives?

2. In what ways can we seek God's wisdom in our daily decisions, as encouraged by James 1:5?

3. How does the concept of divine wisdom in 1 Corinthians 1:25 influence our understanding of human knowledge and limitations?

4. What role does humility play in our pursuit of knowledge, and how can we cultivate it in our spiritual journey?

5. How can we apply the principle of integrity in speech from Job 36:4 to our interactions with others, ensuring our words reflect God's truth?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 2:6
This verse highlights that the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding, connecting to Elihu's claim of speaking truth.

1 Corinthians 1:25
This passage speaks of God's wisdom being greater than human wisdom, aligning with Elihu's assertion of divine knowledge.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously, reflecting the theme of divine wisdom present in Elihu's speech.
The Portrait of a True PreacherHomilistJob 36:1-4
People
Elihu, Job
Places
Uz
Topics
FALSE, Mind, Perfect, Talking, Truly, Upright
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 36:4

     8322   perfection, human

Library
Whether by his Passion Christ Merited to be Exalted?
Objection 1: It seems that Christ did not merit to be exalted on account of His Passion. For eminence of rank belongs to God alone, just as knowledge of truth, according to Ps. 112:4: "The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens." But Christ as man had the knowledge of all truth, not on account of any preceding merit, but from the very union of God and man, according to Jn. 1:14: "We saw His glory . . . as it were of the only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth."
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Acquired his Judiciary Power by his Merits?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ did not acquire His judiciary power by His merits. For judiciary power flows from the royal dignity: according to Prov. 20:8: "The king that sitteth on the throne of judgment, scattereth away all evil with his look." But it was without merits that Christ acquired royal power, for it is His due as God's Only-begotten Son: thus it is written (Lk. 1:32): "The Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father, and He shall reign in the house of Jacob for
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Will Judge under the Form of his Humanity?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ will not judge under the form of His humanity. For judgment requires authority in the judge. Now Christ has authority over the quick and the dead as God, for thus is He the Lord and Creator of all. Therefore He will judge under the form of His Godhead. Objection 2: Further, invincible power is requisite in a judge; wherefore it is written (Eccles. 7:6): "Seek not to be made a judge, unless thou have strength enough to extirpate iniquities." Now invincible power
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law was from God?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law was not from God. For it is written (Dt. 32:4): "The works of God are perfect." But the Law was imperfect, as stated above [2060](A[1]). Therefore the Old Law was not from God. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Eccles. 3:14): "I have learned that all the works which God hath made continue for ever." But the Old Law does not continue for ever: since the Apostle says (Heb. 7:18): "There is indeed a setting aside of the former commandment, because of the
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Man Can Know that He Has Grace?
Objection 1: It would seem that man can know that he has grace. For grace by its physical reality is in the soul. Now the soul has most certain knowledge of those things that are in it by their physical reality, as appears from Augustine (Gen. ad lit. xii, 31). Hence grace may be known most certainly by one who has grace. Objection 2: Further, as knowledge is a gift of God, so is grace. But whoever receives knowledge from God, knows that he has knowledge, according to Wis. 7:17: The Lord "hath given
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Judicial Power Corresponds to Voluntary Poverty?
Objection 1: It would seem that the judicial power does not correspond to voluntary poverty. For it was promised to none but the twelve apostles (Mat. 19:28): "You shall sit on twelve seats, judging," etc. Since then those who are voluntarily poor are not all apostles, it would seem that the judicial power is not competent to all. Objection 2: Further, to offer sacrifice to God of one's own body is more than to do so of outward things. Now martyrs and also virgins offer sacrifice to God of their
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Hypocrisy is the Same as Dissimulation?
Objection 1: It seems that hypocrisy is not the same as dissimulation. For dissimulation consists in lying by deeds. But there may be hypocrisy in showing outwardly what one does inwardly, according to Mat. 6:2, "When thou dost an alms-deed sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do." Therefore hypocrisy is not the same as dissimulation. Objection 2: Further, Gregory says (Moral. xxxi, 7): "Some there are who wear the habit of holiness, yet are unable to attain the merit of perfection.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Great Teacher
Teaching was the great business of the life of Christ during the days of his public ministry. He was sent to teach and to preach. The speaker in the book of Job was thinking of this Great Teacher when he asked--"Who teacheth like him?" Job xxxvi: 22. And it was he who was in the Psalmist's mind when he spoke of the "good, and upright Lord" who would teach sinners, if they were meek, how to walk in his ways. Ps. xxv: 8-9. And he is the Redeemer, of whom the prophet Isaiah was telling when he said--He
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

"That which was from the Beginning,"
1 John i. 1.--"That which was from the beginning," &c. Things are commended sometimes, because they are ancient, especially doctrines in religion, because truth is before error, and falsehood is but an aberration from truth and therefore there is so much plea and contention among men, about antiquity, as if it were the sufficient rule of verity. But the abuse is, that men go not far enough backward in the steps of antiquity, that is, to the most ancient rule, and profession, and practice of truth
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Whether Hypocrisy is Always a Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that hypocrisy is always a mortal sin. For Jerome says on Is. 16:14: "Of the two evils it is less to sin openly than to simulate holiness": and a gloss on Job 1:21 [*St. Augustine on Ps. 63:7], "As it hath pleased the Lord," etc., says that "pretended justice is no justice, but a twofold sin": and again a gloss on Lam. 4:6, "The iniquity . . . of my people is made greater than the sin of Sodom," says: "He deplores the sins of the soul that falls into hypocrisy, which is a greater
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether those to whom Christ's Birth was Made Known were Suitably Chosen?
Objection 1: It would seem that those to whom Christ's birth was made known were not suitably chosen. For our Lord (Mat. 10:5) commanded His disciples, "Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles," so that He might be made known to the Jews before the Gentiles. Therefore it seems that much less should Christ's birth have been at once revealed to the Gentiles who "came from the east," as stated Mat. 2:1. Objection 2: Further, the revelation of Divine truth should be made especially to the friends of God,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Divine Grace.
GRACE, LOYE, AND MERCY. I FIND that the goodness of God to his people is diversely expressed in his word, sometimes by the word grace, sometimes by the word love, and sometimes by the word mercy. When it is expressed by that word grace, then it is to show that what he doeth is of his princely will, his royal bounty, and sovereign pleasure. When it is expressed by that word love, then it is to show us that his affection was and is in what he doeth, and that he doeth what he doeth for us with complacency
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Messiah's Easy Yoke
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. T hough the influence of education and example, may dispose us to acknowledge the Gospel to be a revelation from God; it can only be rightly understood, or duly prized, by those persons who feel themselves in the circumstances of distress, which it is designed to relieve. No Israelite would think of fleeing to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:2.
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor.
To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. Gregory to Theoctista, &c. With how great devotion my mind prostrates itself before your Venerableness I cannot fully express in words; nor yet do I labour to give utterance to it, since, even though I were silent, you read in your heart your own sense of my devotion. I wonder, however, that you withdrew your countenance, till of late bestowed on me, from this my recent engagement in the pastoral office; wherein, under colour of episcopacy, I have been brought
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Greatness of the Soul,
AND UNSPEAKABLENESS 0F THE LOSS THEREOF; WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT. FIRST PREACHED AT PINNER'S HALL and now ENLARGED AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. By JOHN BUNYAN, London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682 Faithfully reprinted from the Author's First Edition. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Our curiosity is naturally excited to discover what a poor, unlettered mechanic, whose book-learning had been limited to the contents of one volume, could by possibility know
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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