321 So these three men gave no more answers to Job, because he seemed to himself to be right. 2 And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was angry, burning with wrath against Job, because he seemed to himself more right than God; 3 And he was angry with his three friends, because they had been unable to give him an answer, and had not made Job's sin clear. 4 Now Elihu had kept quiet while Job was talking, because they were older than he; 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, he was very angry.
6 And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, made answer and said, I am young, and you are very old, so I was in fear, and kept myself from putting my knowledge before you. 7 I said to myself, It is right for the old to say what is in their minds, and for those who are far on in years to give out wisdom. 8 But truly it is the spirit in man, even the breath of the Ruler of all, which gives them knowledge. 9 It is not the old who are wise, and those who are full of years have not the knowledge of what is right. 10 So I say, Give ear to me, and I will put forward my knowledge. 11 I was waiting for your words, I was giving ear to your wise sayings; while you were searching out what to say, 12 I was taking note; and truly not one of you was able to make clear Job's error, or to give an answer to his words. 13 Take care that you do not say, Wisdom is here; God may overcome him, but not man. 14 I will not put forward words like these, or make use of your sayings in answer to him.
15 Fear has overcome them, they have no more answers to give; they have come to an end of words. 16 And am I to go on waiting while they have nothing to say? while they keep quiet and give no more answers? 17 I will give my answer; I will put forward my knowledge: 18 For I am full of words, I am unable to keep in my breath any longer: 19 My stomach is like wine which is unable to get out; like skins full of new wine, it is almost burst. 20 Let me say what is in my mind, so that I may get comfort; let me give answer with open mouth. 21 Let me not give respect to any man, or give names of honour to any living. 22 For I am not able to give names of honour to any man; and if I did, my Maker would quickly take me away.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 32:1-33
Commentary on Job 32:1-5
(Read Job 32:1-5)
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.
Commentary on Job 32:6-14
(Read Job 32:6-14)
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.
Commentary on Job 32:15-22
(Read Job 32:15-22)
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.