Correction

One of the main purposes of God's word is to correct his children:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable

for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

II Timothy 3:16

God also uses people to correct others. I don't naturally enjoy correction (I don't know anyone who does) and I have definitely failed to correct others in a godly manner at times. But there are many good Bible examples of correction – one is the correction of Job. While it is true that Job's three “friends” falsely accused Job, it is also true that Job sinned during his trial and was in need of correction (see Job 42:6). What allowed God to use a man (Elihu) to correct Job?

Elihu listened carefully:

Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

(Job 32:11)

He spoke clearly:

and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.

(Job 33:3b)

He invited conversation…

If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak,

(Job 33:32a)

But he had a specific goal in mind:

for I desire to justify thee.

(Job 33:32b)

Elihu was impartial:

Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

(Job 32:21)

He was kind:

Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.

(Job 33:7)

He was direct:

Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.

(Job 33:8-12)

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault,

ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness;

considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Galatians 6:1