321 And these three men cease from answering Job, for he 'is' righteous in his own eyes, 2 and burn doth the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram; against Job hath his anger burned, because of his justifying himself more than God; 3 and against his three friends hath his anger burned, because that they have not found an answer, and condemn Job. 4 And Elihu hath waited earnestly beside Job with words, for they are older than he in days. 5 And Elihu seeth that there is no answer in the mouth of the three men, and his anger burneth.
6 And Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answereth and saith:—Young I 'am' in days, and ye 'are' age Therefore I have feared, And am afraid of shewing you my opinion. 7 I said: Days do speak, And multitude of years teach wisdom. 8 Surely a spirit is in man, And the breath of the Mighty One Doth cause them to understand. 9 The multitude are not wise, Nor do the aged understand judgment. 10 Therefore I have said: Hearken to me, I do shew my opinion—even I. 11 Lo, I have waited for your words, I give ear unto your reasons, Till ye search out sayings. 12 And unto you I attend, And lo, there is no reasoner for Job, 'Or' answerer of his sayings among you. 13 Lest ye say, We have found wisdom, God doth thrust him away, not man. 14 And he hath not set in array words for me, And with your sayings I do not answer him.
15 (They have broken down, They have not answered again, They removed from themselves words. 16 And I have waited, but they do not speak, For they have stood still, They have not answered any more.) 17 I answer, even I—my share, I shew my opinion—even I. 18 For I have been full of words, Distressed me hath the spirit of my breast, 19 Lo, my breast 'is' as wine not opened, Like new bottles it is broken up. 20 I speak, and there is refreshment to me, I open my lips and answer. 21 Let me not, I pray you, accept the face of any, Nor unto man give flattering titles, 22 For I have not known to give flattering titles, In a little doth my Maker 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.