6 This is what Elihu, son of Barakel the Buzite, said: "I'm a young man, and you are all old and experienced. That's why I kept quiet and held back from joining the discussion. 7 I kept thinking, 'Experience will tell. The longer you live, the wiser you become.' 8 But I see I was wrong - it's God's Spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty One, that makes wise human insight possible. 9 The experts have no corner on wisdom; getting old doesn't guarantee good sense. 10 So I've decided to speak up. Listen well! I'm going to tell you exactly what I think. 11 "I hung on your words while you spoke, listened carefully to your arguments. While you searched for the right words, 12 I was all ears. And now what have you proved? Nothing. Nothing you say has even touched Job. 13 And don't excuse yourselves by saying, 'We've done our best. Now it's up to God to talk sense into him.' 14 Job has yet to contend with me. And rest assured, I won't be using your arguments!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 32:6-14
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.