Every human craves love and respect. Saved and unsaved alike long for respect. The highest paid sports player to the criminal in a gang desires “respect.” Our problem as sinners, though, is that respect and honor does not come naturally. The average person believes and repeatedly states that “respect must be earned.” However, I Peter 2:17 commands, “Honour all men.” The verse also commands, “Honour the king.” The Roman Caesar during Peter’s writing was wicked Nero who supposedly played a violin while Rome burned, and then blamed Christians for it. Nero then slaughtered believers and placed their heads on poles on the side of roads leading to Rome. That king is whom God through Peter commanded “Honour.” 

Elihu did not agree with Job’s or his 3 friends’ arguments. Elihu, though, chose to respect Job’s and his 3 friends’ older age and increased wisdom. In marriage, no husband or wife is ever going to be completely perfect. No conversation is going to be completely smooth and without faults and sin. What you must learn, though, is to respect your spouse’s good qualities and/or position in the home. Husband, you are to respect your wife as the weaker vessel and as your partner in this life of grace God has given you two. 

I Peter 3:7 “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life…” 

Wife, you are to reverence your husband. Ephesians 5:33 “…the wife see that she reverence her husband.” 

In communication, respect is shown, like we saw with Elihu, by paying close attention to each other’s views and opinions on any subject matter; by waiting patiently for your spouse to finish (Rom. 12:10 “in honour preferring one another;”); and even finding something positive about your partner to compliment. For Elihu, he repeatedly mentioned respect for their age and wisdom over his youth. 

Elihu quickly gained the ear and trust of Job and his friends, but he started with respect. Communication goes very smoothly when there is someone who shows respect. Actually, it is very interesting to note that at the end of Job in chapter 42, God rebukes Job and his 3 friends for their views and spirit. However, God never reproves Elihu. Elihu’s views evidently were worth heeding, and Elihu’s spirit was pure and genuine. Dear Christian, please heed these articles on Elihu. His spirit of respect is crucial to proper communication in marriage and every other relationship.