Now Elihu Had Waited Till Job Had Spoken
John Calvin emphasizes the importance of modesty and humility in young people, while also encouraging them to speak up and honor God, even in the face of opposition from older men.
John Calvin preaches on the importance of modesty and honoring elders, emphasizing that God notices and blesses those who remain humble and honest. He compares the growth of fruit to the advancement of individuals, highlighting the lasting impact of those who patiently wait for God's timing. Calvin encourages young people to show respect to their elders while also speaking the truth and upholding God's honor, even if it means correcting the older generation's shortcomings.
Text
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. --Job 32:4
So then let God's children be on their guard and see that they remain modest; this is a beautiful, though unspectacular, virtue. And although they who seek to advance themselves despise them because they are not constantly putting themselves forward, let them assure themselves that they are much rather noticed by God, and that he will bless their honest behavior and make them to profit more in two years than those who are too hasty will do in four.
We see what happens to fruit. If fruit is too soon ripe it also fades away quickly. But the fruit that is slower in maturing also lasts longer. So it is with those who wish to advance themselves before their time. Truly they may have some beauty and some taste; but it will not last. On the other hand, those who are modest and honest, and not so presumptuous as to put themselves forward hastily, will surely be slow; but in the meantime the Lord gives them a more abiding fruit.
It is true that modesty is a virtue proper for all men. Nevertheless young people ought to note what is said here, namely that they must yield honor to their elders, acknowledging that they may have excessive passions which need to be restrained by other men. For they are not sufficiently established in their own nature, and they lack experience in self-control.
Furthermore, when a young man has behaved himself thus modestly, he must at the proper time utter the thing that God has given him, even though it be among older people. For the order of nature does not prevent a young man, when older men do not discharge their duty, to supply what they lack--yes, even to the shame of those who have lived long, and misspent the time that God has given them, or rather utterly lost it.
You see, then, the middle position which we have to hold. The reverence which young folks bear to their elders must not hinder the maintenance of the truth, that God should be honored and vices suppressed. For it may happen that the older men are destitute of God's Spirit, or else lewd persons shall have in them nothing but craft and unfaithfulness; or perhaps they will be opinionated or headstrong. Now in such cases, should young people be so held under the yoke that they shall by the authority of their elders be turned away from God and his Word and from that which is good and holy? Certainly not. --Sermons
Sermon Outline
- I. The Virtue of Modesty
- A. Modesty is a beautiful, though unspectacular, virtue
- B. It is a virtue proper for all men, but especially young people
- II. The Dangers of Haste
- A. Fruit that is too soon ripe fades away quickly
- B. Those who advance themselves before their time will not last
- III. The Benefits of Modesty
- A. The Lord gives those who are modest and honest a more abiding fruit
- B. Modesty allows young people to yield honor to their elders and acknowledge their limitations
Key Quotes
“For they are not sufficiently established in their own nature, and they lack experience in self-control.” — John Calvin
“The reverence which young folks bear to their elders must not hinder the maintenance of the truth, that God should be honored and vices suppressed.” — John Calvin
“For the order of nature does not prevent a young man, when older men do not discharge their duty, to supply what they lack--yes, even to the shame of those who have lived long, and misspent the time that God has given them, or rather utterly lost it.” — John Calvin
Application Points
- Young people should strive to be modest and humble, yielding honor to their elders and acknowledging their limitations.
- Those who advance themselves before their time will not last, and should instead focus on developing a strong character and following God's Word.
- Young people should not be silenced if they have something to say that honors God, and should instead speak up and supply what is lacking in their elders.