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While reading Job 35–37, one verse jumped out:

“God thunders wondrously with His voice; He does great things that we cannot comprehend” (Job 37:5).

Elihu’s word choice here is spot on, and yet his application falls ironically short. For someone who claims that wisdom comes from God, this verse highlights his own short supply of it in the moment.

The Cambridge dictionary defines wisdom as The ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgments.

Elihu’s words are seemingly eloquent, but his logic reveals a deeper issue: he misapplies his knowledge in an attempt to sound wise. Instead of offering comfort, his speech is shallow and filled with assumptions and accusations, further burdening Job in his suffering.

I’ve witnessed similar moments in life—people sick, suffering, or even dying at what seems like an unnatural age or under heartbreaking circumstances. In those moments, I’ve found myself wrestling with questions, much like the disciples once did: “Why, God? Was it sin? Is this a chance to display Your power? Is it a lesson in contentment? Or is it simply the fallen world we live in and the curse of death we all face?”

I’m often left without knowing, unable to comprehend the full picture. There have been a few times when I’ve voiced my thoughts without truly understanding the situation. Solomon addresses this tendency in Proverbs 15:2:

“The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.”

Or, as my English forefathers said, “It is better to be thought a fool and remain silent than to speak up and remove all doubt.”

The greatest lesson I can take away from Job’s friends—especially the young, impulsive Elihu—is this: when we encounter others in difficult situations, choose mercy and kindness over assumption and judgment. God’s loving-kindness should guide our words and actions, reminding us that sometimes the wisest response is simply to remain silent and offer compassion.

The one piece of advice I’d love to give Job’s four friends is, “Ask questions dude!”