Elihu also proceeded and said.
The portrait of a true preacher
I. The side he has to take. “I have yet to speak on God’s behalf.” Sin is a controversy with God. The true preacher has to take the side of God in the discussion.
1. He has to defend the procedure of God. He has to justify the ways of heaven.
2. He has to vindicate the character of God. The true preacher has to clear his Maker of all ungodly accusations.
3. He has to enforce the claims of God. His claims to their supreme love and constant obedience.
4. He has to offer the redemption of God. To show forth the wonderful mercy of God in Christ Jesus.
II. The knowledge he has to communicate. “I will fetch my knowledge from afar.” Literally, the true preacher has to fetch his “knowledge from afar.”
1. “From afar” in relation to the intuitions of men. The facts of the Gospel lie far away from the inbred sentiments of the human soul.
2. “From afar” in relation to the philosophical deductions of men. Human reason could never discover the essential truths of the Gospel.
3. “From afar” in relation to the natural spirit of men.
III. The purpose he has to maintain. “I will ascribe righteousness unto my Maker.” Elihu’s purpose seemed to be, to demonstrate to Job that God was righteous in all His ways, and worthy of his confidence. With this conviction he will show--
1. That no suffering falls on any creature more than he deserves.
2. That no work is demanded of any creature more than he can render.
IV. The faithfulness he has to exhibit. “Truly my words shall not be false: He that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.” (Homilist.)