We as humans are still products of the Enlightenment. Even if we don’t realize it, we are all at least somewhat drawn in by the still-young cultural assumption that all the knowledge that exists is within our grasp. The idea that there is anything that goes beyond the capacities of human understanding makes us uncomfortable. After all, we hate not being in control. But then the Bible has the audacity to tell us that God is too glorious for us to handle, and his deeds too wonderful for us to comprehend! This sometimes isn’t easy to accept. It forces us to admit that we are NOT God.
But if we think about it, it’s really a good thing that we cannot fit God in a box. If we in fact could—if God were something we could wrap our minds around completely and fit into our own worldview—then that would sound like a god someone made up. But nobody would invent a religion that goes against mankind’s inherent desire for control! Our faith is not manmade; God really is beyond the greatest reaches of human understanding. And this calls us to reverent, truly humble worship, which goes against the normal human way of self-centered arrogance.
In my opinion, verses 23 and 24 of this passage are the central thesis of the book of Job. Elihu has been chastising Job for bringing challenges against God, and he finishes here by saying God is good—far more so than Job could ever know. The last line would be better translated “he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.” In other words, that Enlightenment mindset, which thinks we can understand everything, is unworthy of God. Not to mention, it leaves us missing the great majesty of God anyway!
But Elihu was right. God is good—far more so than we could ever know. This is the reminder that we need whenever we are in turmoil like Job was. Granted, a call to humility is not what we often want to hear during suffering (remember that Job’s friends just sat and mourned with him first!), but it is a truthful call that restores our joy. In every situation, the best thing we can do is to think rightly about God. He is supremely good, and his awesome majesty and wisdom transcends our understanding; so all we can do is humbly admire him.
