Still doesn't work

Job Chapter 32

So they stopped talking to Job because he was righteous in his own eyes. (Job 32:1) I can relate, can you? Ever been in a conversation with someone who refused to admit any wrongdoing? I have. And I have probably been on the other side of some of those conversations too, sad to say.

Job seems to be somewhat of a hard-head. Elihu burned with anger because Job justified himself rather than God. To Job, it was all about his righteousness, and what God owed him as a result. And his friends found no answer to refute Job either.

In 34:9, Job is chastised by Elihu. "For he (Job) has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should take delight in God.’" Job was righteous, but his righteousness seemed to be predicated on obtaining God's favor because of his righteousness. But no one can stand before God as righteous through their own behavior. The joy the God wants us to find in him is joy that is predicated on who God is, and not who we are or what we do for God. 

In verse 36, Job's answer is compared to that of wicked men. Job? Wicked? Yes! But thanks to God that he saves the wicked! Without that hope, I have no hope. It is as if wickedness is not determined by mere action, imagine that! Yet throughout time, including this time, men try to earn their way to God, and plead their righteousness before Him. Didn't work for Job, don't think it will work for anyone else either.