Humility in Seeking God
Job 35:12-13 Elihu condemns self-righteousness and lets Job and his friends know that God does not answer prideful people. When we seek God, we need to go before Him with a humble heart.
9/28/20261 min read
He does not answer when people cry out because of the arrogance of the wicked. Indeed, God does not listen to their empty plea; the Almighty pays no attention to it. Job 35:12‑13 (NIV)
Elihu condemns the self-righteousness of Job and his friends, letting them know that God does not answer to prideful people. He teaches that God’s sovereignty, justice, and holiness are beyond human influence, and that our relationship with Him must be sincere, humble, and grounded in trust. Elihu refers to the "arrogance of the wicked" talking about people who act in pride, thinking they can manipulate or demand God’s favor without genuine humility. He lets the men know that they must approach God with a humble heart in all requests.
As Elihu declared, God does not respond to our self-righteous or arrogant requests, but only those of a humble heart. 1 Peter 5:5-6 says, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” Humility before God is not just a moral virtue but a spiritual posture that opens the way to His grace, exaltation, and forgiveness. Approaching God with a humble heart means acknowledging His sovereignty, repenting of pride, and submitting to His will—just as Christ did.
Choose to approach God with a humble heart in times of plenty and tribulation, acknowledging his provision in all circumstances. Recognize God's supreme authority over everything in your life, acknowledging His holiness and majesty by expressing gratitude for His guidance in prayer and worship. Recognize your sins and seek God’s forgiveness, maintaining a posture of openness to correction, learning, and spiritual growth. Release the need to control outcomes and trust God’s wisdom, especially in uncertain circumstances, reflecting a heart open to His guidance. Choose to serve like Jesus did, considering other people's needs above your own. When you seek God with a humble heart, His blessings will never run out.