Job Chapter 32
1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God.
3 Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were elder than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.
6 Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, "I am young, and you are very old; Therefore I held back, and didn't dare show you my opinion.
7 I said, 'Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.'
8 But there is a spirit in man, and the Spirit of the Almighty gives them understanding.
9 It is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.
10 Therefore I said, 'Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.'
11 "Behold, I waited for your words, and I listened for your reasoning, while you searched out what to say.
12 Yes, I gave you my full attention, but there was no one who convinced Job, or who answered his words, amongst you.
13 Beware lest you say, 'We have found wisdom. God may refute him, not man;'
14 for he has not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15 "They are amazed. They answer no more. They don't have a word to say.
16 Shall I wait, because they don't speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?
17 I also will answer my part, and I also will show my opinion.
18 For I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains me.
19 Behold, my breast is as wine which has no vent; like new wineskins it is ready to burst.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.
21 Please don't let me respect any man's person, neither will I give flattering titles to any man.
22 For I don't know how to give flattering titles, or else my Maker would soon take me away.
Footnotes
- Verse 8 (the Spirit)
- or, breath
Version: World English Bible
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Job Chapter 32 Guide
The last voice in the earthly controversy is now heard. It is a new voice, and opportunity never comes to Job to answer. Moreover, God in the final movements takes no notice other than that of interruption, and in the epilogue Elihu has no place.
Nevertheless, the long speech of this man is full of interest, and moves as to insight on a higher plane than that of the men who had spoken. In the first five verses Elihu is introduced by the author of the Book. His three friends were silent, because unable to bring conviction of guilt to Job. In the presence of their inability, Elihu, who evidently had heard the whole argument, was moved to anger. This anger was against Job because he had justified himself rather than God. It was against Job's friends because they had been unequal to the task to which they set themselves. In the opening of his speech Elihu made his apology. He had been silent because of his youth. While he had been listening he had come to the conclusion that age is not always wisdom. Addressing himself to the friends, he declared that he had waited, and they had failed, and indicated his intention to adopt a new method. The apology ended with a soliloquy in which he considered the failure of the other men, and spoke of his own consciousness of conviction and readiness to speak.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Job Chapter 32 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his friends. -- (1-5)
- He reproves them. -- (6-14)
- He speaks without partiality. -- (15-22)
Verses 1-5
Job's friends were silenced, but not convinced. Others had been present. Elihu was justly displeased with Job, as more anxious to clear his own character than the justice and goodness of God. Elihu was displeased with Job's friends because they had not been candid to Job. Seldom is a quarrel begun, more seldom is a quarrel carried on, in which there are not faults on both sides. Those that seek for truth, must not reject what is true and good on either side, nor approve or defend what is wrong.
Verses 6-14
Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.
Verses 15-22
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.