Job 32

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32:1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
32:2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
32:3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
32:4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
32:5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
32:6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
32:7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
32:9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
32:10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
32:11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
32:12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: 32:13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
32:14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
32:15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
32:16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) 32:17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
32:18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
32:19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
32:20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
32:21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
32:22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.


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Everything King James Bible:Job

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: Job
Book: Job
Chapter: 32

Overview:
Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his
friends. (1-5) He reproves them. (6-14) He speaks without
partiality. (15-22)

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.

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.

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 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.