Job 36:13, "But those who are godless in heart lay up anger. They don’t cry for help when he binds them," is part of Elihu's speech, where he is attempting to defend God's justice and explain why people suffer. Let's break down the verse's meaning:
"Those who are godless in heart": This refers to people who are inwardly wicked, not necessarily outwardly irreligious. They harbor a deep-seated disregard for God and His ways. The "heart" in biblical language refers to the seat of a person's will, emotions, and intellect – their inner being.
"lay up anger": This suggests that instead of repenting or seeking reconciliation with God, these individuals accumulate anger and resentment toward Him. They become bitter and hostile because of their situation, blaming God rather than examining their own actions or seeking His help. They nurture their bitterness.
"They don’t cry for help when he binds them": This speaks to a lack of humility and a refusal to seek God's intervention during times of hardship or suffering. "When he binds them" signifies that God has allowed hardship or consequences to befall them, perhaps as a form of discipline or a wake-up call. However, because of their pride and anger, they resist turning to God for relief or understanding. They are either too proud to admit they need help, or too angry to believe God would help them.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Those who are inwardly wicked build up anger and resentment toward God and stubbornly refuse to turn to Him for help, even when they are suffering the consequences of their actions or are in a difficult situation allowed or caused by God. Instead of humbling themselves and seeking His mercy, they remain hardened in their rebellion.
The key takeaways from this verse are:
The importance of inner character: Godliness is not merely outward observance but a matter of the heart.
The danger of unchecked anger and resentment: Holding onto bitterness can lead to spiritual blindness and separation from God.
The necessity of humility and repentance: Turning to God in times of suffering is essential for receiving His grace and guidance.
Elihu uses this observation to suggest that Job's suffering might be related to some unconfessed sin or a hidden attitude of resentment toward God, urging him to examine his heart and repent. However, it's important to remember that Elihu's arguments are later challenged by God himself. While his observations about the godless hold some truth, he incorrectly applies them to Job's specific situation.
Job 36:13, "But those who are godless in heart lay up anger. They don’t cry for help when he binds them," is part of Elihu's speech, where he is attempting to defend God's justice and explain why people suffer. Let's break down the verse's meaning:
"Those who are godless in heart": This refers to people who are inwardly wicked, not necessarily outwardly irreligious. They harbor a deep-seated disregard for God and His ways. The "heart" in biblical language refers to the seat of a person's will, emotions, and intellect – their inner being.
"lay up anger": This suggests that instead of repenting or seeking reconciliation with God, these individuals accumulate anger and resentment toward Him. They become bitter and hostile because of their situation, blaming God rather than examining their own actions or seeking His help. They nurture their bitterness.
"They don’t cry for help when he binds them": This speaks to a lack of humility and a refusal to seek God's intervention during times of hardship or suffering. "When he binds them" signifies that God has allowed hardship or consequences to befall them, perhaps as a form of discipline or a wake-up call. However, because of their pride and anger, they resist turning to God for relief or understanding. They are either too proud to admit they need help, or too angry to believe God would help them.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Those who are inwardly wicked build up anger and resentment toward God and stubbornly refuse to turn to Him for help, even when they are suffering the consequences of their actions or are in a difficult situation allowed or caused by God. Instead of humbling themselves and seeking His mercy, they remain hardened in their rebellion.
The key takeaways from this verse are:
The importance of inner character: Godliness is not merely outward observance but a matter of the heart.
The danger of unchecked anger and resentment: Holding onto bitterness can lead to spiritual blindness and separation from God.
The necessity of humility and repentance: Turning to God in times of suffering is essential for receiving His grace and guidance.
Elihu uses this observation to suggest that Job's suffering might be related to some unconfessed sin or a hidden attitude of resentment toward God, urging him to examine his heart and repent. However, it's important to remember that Elihu's arguments are later challenged by God himself. While his observations about the godless hold some truth, he incorrectly applies them to Job's specific situation.