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Job 32:21-22
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept [nasa'] any man's ['iysh] person [paniym], neither let me give flattering titles [kanah] unto man ['adam].
22 For I know [yada`] not to give flattering titles [kanah]; in so doing my maker [`asah] would soon [ma`at] take me away [nasa']. KJV-Interlinear
21 'Let me now be partial to no one; Nor flatter any man. 22 'For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away. NASB
To be partial means to be incomplete, to demonstrate some form of favor, to lean in one direction as opposed to another. It also means to tilt truth in favor of some form of courtesy or compliment, to compromise truth by means of flattery, to disregard truth such that no one will be insulted.
Elihu was going to call it like he saw it, and was not going to worry about anyone's feelings, nor favor anyone in order to gain their favor in return. In other words, no political correctness, no bias, no compromised principles. And, no made up principles such as the points the three friends leaned on in their statements.
When a thing is done in the wrong way and added to a wrong way, it is wrong. When a thing is done in a wrong way and added to a right way, it is still wrong. When a thing is done in a right way, but added to a wrong way, it is still wrong.
The only time a right thing becomes right is when it is done in a right way.
And so the result described by Elihu in the last verse. When something is not right, then God intervenes with suffering, punishment, discipline, judgment, loss and so forth, whichever is appropriate. 'Lest God take me away.'
Life must be lived inside the fellowship sphere.
You cannot have thoughts of lies and live in sin. That is a wrong combined with a wrong. The result is wrong.
You cannot think truth and live in sin. That is a right thing combined with a wrong. The result is wrong.
You cannot live in sin and preach truth. That is a wrong thing combined with a right. The result is wrong.
You must think truth and live truth. That is accomplished only while in fellowship. The result for your life is right.
Elihu is not going to compliment lies. Elihu is not going to address people with decorative addresses - 'Your excellency.' 'To the honorable ruler who knows all and sees all.' 'To the one and only wise king.'
Elihu will not use titles of honor for people who do not deserve them.
Furthermore, Elihu will not use Jobs words, since being younger, he has not known Job during Jobs long life. Likewise, Elihu will not use the arguments of the three friends, since they are shallow empty clichés which lack verifiable proofs.
And, Elihu will not subscribe to popular beliefs, merely because they happen to be popular, or perceived as popular.
The only way one can live their spiritual life, the only way one can advance in their spiritual life, the only way one can grow up spiritually, the only way one can maximize their relationship with God, is to first live inside the fellowship sphere, and second, be obedient to the mandates which God has laid out in the scriptures.
The primary mandate is to study, learn, utilize, and grow up spiritually, which is the circle of wisdom designed to make you successful in life, regardless of your circumstances.
With God nothing is impossible, and you gain access to that power while living inside the fellowship sphere.
Life is a battle. Life is an ongoing battle which continues all day long, day after day, throughout your entire life. Your 'arms raised high,' is your appeal and your surrender to God through obedience (confession, growth, etc) every moment of the day, every day of your life.
Lower your arms (become lax in your spiritual life) and the battle goes against you. Raise your arms (obedience to the mandates of God), and the battle goes well with you.
God does not need the instruments of man in order to accomplish His will. But if you remain positive and obedient to God through adherence and pursuit of your spiritual life, then God always honors your positive volition, and in that respect, He will never fail you. 'The battle is the Lords.'
'Arms raised high.' Live by this principle and breathe it.
'Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things.'
