321 Then these three men ceased answering Job , because he was righteous in his own eyes . 2 But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite , of the family of Ram burned ; against Job his anger burned because he justified himself before God . 3 And his anger burned against his three friends because e they had found no answer , and yet had condemned Job . 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were years older than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men his anger burned .
6 So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said , "I am young in years and you are old ; Therefore e I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think . 7 "I thought age should speak , And increased years should teach wisdom . 8 "But it is a spirit in man , And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding . 9 "The abundant in years may not be wise , Nor may elders understand justice . 10 "So I say , 'Listen to me, I too will tell what I think .' 11 "Behold , I waited for your words , I listened to your reasonings , While you pondered what to say . 12 "I even paid close attention to you; Indeed , there was no one who refuted Job , Not one of you who answered his words . 13 "Do not say , ' We have found wisdom ; God will rout him, not man .' 14 "For he has not arranged his words against me, Nor will I reply to him with your arguments .
15 "They are dismayed , they no longer answer ; Words have failed them. 16 "Shall I wait , because they do not speak , Because they stop and no longer answer ? 17 "I too will answer my share , I also will tell my opinion . 18 "For I am full of words ; The spirit within me constrains me. 19 "Behold , my belly is like unvented wine , Like new wineskins it is about to burst . 20 "Let me speak that I may get relief ; Let me open my lips and answer . 21 "Let me now be partial e to no one , Nor flatter any man . 22 "For I do not know how to flatter , Else 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.