321 And these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then was kindled the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his anger kindled, because he justified himself rather than God; 3 and against his three friends was his anger kindled, because they found no answer, and [yet] condemned Job. 4 But Elihu had waited till Job had finished speaking, because they were older than he. 5 And Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, and his anger was kindled.
6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are aged; wherefore I was timid, and feared to shew you what I know. 7 I said, Let days speak, and multitude of years teach wisdom. 8 But there is a spirit which is in man; and the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 9 It is not the great that are wise; neither do the aged understand judgment. 10 Therefore I say, Hearken to me; I also will shew what I know. 11 Lo, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasonings, until ye searched out what to say. 12 Yea, I gave you mine attention, and behold, there was none of you that confuted Job, that answered his words; 13 That ye may not say, We have found out wisdom; God will make him yield, not man. 14 Now he hath not directed [his] words against me; and I will not answer him with your speeches. ...
15 They were amazed, they answered no more; words failed them. 16 And I waited, for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more;— 17 I will answer, I also in my turn, I also will shew what I know: 18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. 19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; like new flasks, it is ready to burst. 20 I will speak, that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer. 21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person; neither will I give flattery to man. 22 For I know not how to flatter; my Maker would soon 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.