A non-confidence vote in God will dissolve His government, and “all flesh would perish together” (Job 34:15).
Let’s see if we can follow Elihu’s arguments so far. First, he says that wisdom is not only acquired by long life—at least, with some folks—but it can also be received as a gift from God’s Spirit (Job 32:1-9). Therefore, since Job’s friends have completely missed the mark, he appeals to Job to consider what he says (vv 10-14). He has patiently waited through all their vacuous verbosity. Now that they have been silenced, he feels compelled to speak (vv 15-22). He then explains how he will address the problem and considerately address Job, in striking contrast to the other three with their harsh talk and unfounded charges (33:1-7). At this point, he addresses the two main issues: how Job thinks about himself (vv 8-11), and how he thinks about God (vv 12-18). And here’s a radical notion. What if Job isn’t being punished by a capricious God, but being “chastened” by a caring Father (vv 19- 22)? Elihu then presents the mother lode of truth with the introduction of a redeemer, a ransom, and the wonderful possibility of personal restoration to righteousness (vv 23-28)! And while justification (being declared right) is an event, sanctification (being made right) is a repeated process all the way Home (vv 29-33). Now calling on his listeners to test what he says the way one would taste food to assess “what is good” (34:4), Elihu prepares us for one of the main sections of his appeal (vv 1-17). It’s always wise to set the standard first, so he determines to reestablish the fact that God is just. Without this, everything collapses. God’s trustworthiness is the main spar that holds up the whole moral universe. “Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to commit iniquity” (v 10). Amen, Elihu!