321 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 breath 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, among 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.
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.