“There they cry out, but he does not answer, because of the pride of evil men.” (Job 35:12, ESV)

Elihu continues reprimanding Job for speaking words without knowledge. If Job sins, then how does it harm God? And if Job is righteous, then what does he give Him? Our sins harm us, and our righteousness helps us.

People cry out when they are oppressed. They groan for relief beneath the arm of the mighty. But do they say, “Where is God my Creator who gives songs in the night and makes us smarter than the animals?” They cry out, but God does not answer because of their pride.

Herein lies the problem with the ungodly. They complain against God for the things they don’t like. But they don’t give God thanks for their breath, their food, their health, their families, and the pleasurable things they have enjoyed in life. When they finally cry out to God for help, He does not listen because they refuse to humble themselves.

I am reminded of King Saul. He disobeyed the LORD and refused to repent. Therefore, God sought for a man after His own heart, and Samuel secretly anointed David. After David slew Goliath, the women came out dancing and singing, “Saul has slain his thousands and David his ten thousands.” From then on, Saul viewed David with an evil eye and sought to kill him. But when Saul finally faced the Philistines and inquired of God, He would not answer either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets (1 Samuel 28:6). And why not? Because of Saul’s pride.

If we would receive answers from God…if we would hear His voice when He speaks, then we must humble ourselves. We must not be like that old and foolish king who would no longer take advice (Ecclesiastes 4:13). If we are humble and wise, then we will listen to God, even when He speaks to us through the voice of a child. How much more when He arrests us with His Word or convicts us by His Spirit!