Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Job » Chapter 32

Job 32:1-22 King James Version (KJV)

1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

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.

3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.

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.

7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

Job 32:1-22 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 So these three H7969 men H582 ceased H7673 to answer H6030 Job, H347 because he was righteous H6662 in his own eyes. H5869

2 Then was kindled H2734 the wrath H639 of Elihu H453 the son H1121 of Barachel H1292 the Buzite, H940 of the kindred H4940 of Ram: H7410 against Job H347 was his wrath H639 kindled, H2734 because he justified H6663 himself H5315 rather than God. H430

3 Also against his three H7969 friends H7453 was his wrath H639 kindled, H2734 because they had found H4672 no answer, H4617 and yet had condemned H7561 Job. H347

4 Now Elihu H453 had waited H2442 till Job H347 had spoken, H1697 because they were elder H2205 H3117 than he.

5 When Elihu H453 saw H7200 that there was no answer H4617 in the mouth H6310 of these three H7969 men, H582 then his wrath H639 was kindled. H2734

6 And Elihu H453 the son H1121 of Barachel H1292 the Buzite H940 answered H6030 and said, H559 I am young, H6810 H3117 and ye are very old; H3453 wherefore I was afraid, H2119 and durst H3372 not shew H2331 you mine opinion. H1843

7 I said, H559 Days H3117 should speak, H1696 and multitude H7230 of years H8141 should teach H3045 wisdom. H2451

8 But H403 there is a spirit H7307 in man: H582 and the inspiration H5397 of the Almighty H7706 giveth them understanding. H995

9 Great men H7227 are not always wise: H2449 neither do the aged H2205 understand H995 judgment. H4941

10 Therefore I said, H559 Hearken H8085 to me; I also will shew H2331 mine opinion. H1843

11 Behold, I waited H3176 for your words; H1697 I gave ear H238 to your reasons, H8394 whilst ye searched out H2713 what to say. H4405

12 Yea, I attended H995 unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced H3198 Job, H347 or that answered H6030 his words: H561

13 Lest ye should say, H559 We have found out H4672 wisdom: H2451 God H410 thrusteth him down, H5086 not man. H376

14 Now he hath not directed H6186 his words H4405 against me: neither will I answer H7725 him with your speeches. H561

15 They were amazed, H2865 they answered H6030 no more: they left off H6275 speaking. H4405

16 When I had waited, H3176 (for they spake H1696 not, but stood still, H5975 and answered H6030 no more;)

17 I said, I will answer H6030 also my part, H2506 I also will shew H2331 mine opinion. H1843

18 For I am full H4390 of matter, H4405 the spirit H7307 within H990 me constraineth H6693 me.

19 Behold, my belly H990 is as wine H3196 which hath no vent; H6605 it is ready to burst H1234 like new H2319 bottles. H178

20 I will speak, H1696 that I may be refreshed: H7304 I will open H6605 my lips H8193 and answer. H6030

21 Let me not, I pray you, accept H5375 any man's H376 person, H6440 neither let me give flattering titles H3655 unto man. H120

22 For I know H3045 not to give flattering titles; H3655 in so doing my maker H6213 would soon H4592 take me away. H5375

Job 32:1-22 American Standard (ASV)

1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

4 Now Elihu had waited to speak unto Job, because they were elder than he.

5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.

6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I held back, and durst not show you mine 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 giveth them understanding.

9 It is not the great that are wise, Nor the aged that understand justice.

10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will show mine opinion.

11 Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasonings, Whilst ye searched out what to say.

12 Yea, I attended unto you, And, behold, there was none that convinced Job, Or that answered his words, among you.

13 Beware lest ye say, We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not man:

14 For he hath not directed his words against me; Neither will I answer him with your speeches.

15 They are amazed, they answer no more: They have not a word to say.

16 And shall I wait, because they speak not, Because they stand still, and answer no more?

17 I also will answer my part, I also will show mine opinion.

18 For I am full of words; The spirit within me constraineth me.

19 Behold, my breast is as wine which hath no vent; Like new wine-skins it is ready to burst.

20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.

21 Let me not, I pray you, respect any man's person; Neither will I give flattering titles unto any man.

22 For I know not to give flattering titles; `Else' would my Maker soon take me away.

Job 32:1-22 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 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.

Job 32:1-22 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 And these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

2 Then was kindled the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his anger kindled, because he justified himself rather than God;

3 and against his three friends was his anger kindled, because they found no answer, and [yet] condemned Job.

4 But Elihu had waited till Job had finished speaking, because they were older than he.

5 And Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, and his anger was kindled.

6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are aged; wherefore I was timid, and feared to shew you what I know.

7 I said, Let days speak, and multitude of years teach wisdom.

8 But there is a spirit which is in man; and the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

9 It is not the great that are wise; neither do the aged understand judgment.

10 Therefore I say, Hearken to me; I also will shew what I know.

11 Lo, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasonings, until ye searched out what to say.

12 Yea, I gave you mine attention, and behold, there was none of you that confuted Job, that answered his words;

13 That ye may not say, We have found out wisdom; ùGod will make him yield, not man.

14 Now he hath not directed [his] words against me; and I will not answer him with your speeches. ...

15 They were amazed, they answered no more; words failed them.

16 And I waited, for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more; --

17 I will answer, I also in my turn, I also will shew what I know:

18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; like new flasks, it is ready to burst.

20 I will speak, that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer.

21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person; neither will I give flattery to man.

22 For I know not how to flatter; my Maker would soon take me away.

Job 32:1-22 World English Bible (WEB)

1 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.

Job 32:1-22 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 So these three men gave no more answers to Job, because he seemed to himself to be right.

2 And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was angry, burning with wrath against Job, because he seemed to himself more right than God;

3 And he was angry with his three friends, because they had been unable to give him an answer, and had not made Job's sin clear.

4 Now Elihu had kept quiet while Job was talking, because they were older than he;

5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, he was very angry.

6 And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, made answer and said, I am young, and you are very old, so I was in fear, and kept myself from putting my knowledge before you.

7 I said to myself, It is right for the old to say what is in their minds, and for those who are far on in years to give out wisdom.

8 But truly it is the spirit in man, even the breath of the Ruler of all, which gives them knowledge.

9 It is not the old who are wise, and those who are full of years have not the knowledge of what is right.

10 So I say, Give ear to me, and I will put forward my knowledge.

11 I was waiting for your words, I was giving ear to your wise sayings; while you were searching out what to say,

12 I was taking note; and truly not one of you was able to make clear Job's error, or to give an answer to his words.

13 Take care that you do not say, Wisdom is here; God may overcome him, but not man.

14 I will not put forward words like these, or make use of your sayings in answer to him.

15 Fear has overcome them, they have no more answers to give; they have come to an end of words.

16 And am I to go on waiting while they have nothing to say? while they keep quiet and give no more answers?

17 I will give my answer; I will put forward my knowledge:

18 For I am full of words, I am unable to keep in my breath any longer:

19 My stomach is like wine which is unable to get out; like skins full of new wine, it is almost burst.

20 Let me say what is in my mind, so that I may get comfort; let me give answer with open mouth.

21 Let me not give respect to any man, or give names of honour to any living.

22 For I am not able to give names of honour to any man; and if I did, my Maker would quickly take me away.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Job 32

Commentary on Job 32 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill   Keil & Delitzsch   Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible  

Chapter 32

The stage is clear, for Job and his three friends have sat down, and neither he nor they have any thing more to say; it is therefore very seasonable for a moderator to interpose, and Elihu is the man. In this chapter we have,

  • I. Some account of him, his parentage, his presence at this dispute, and his sentiments concerning it (v. 1-5).
  • II. The apology he made for his bold undertaking to speak to a question which had been so largely and learnedly argued by his seniors. He pleads,
    • 1. That, though he had not the experience of an old man, yet he had the understanding of a man (v. 6-10).
    • 2. That he had patiently heard all they had to say (v. 11-13).
    • 3. That he had something new to offer (v. 14-17).
    • 4. That his mind was full of this matter, and it would be a refreshment to him to give it vent (v. 18-20).
    • 5. That he was resolved to speak impartially (v. 21, 22).

And he did speak so well to this matter that Job made no reply to him, and God gave him no rebuke when he checked both Job himself and his other three friends.

Job 32:1-5

Usually young men are the disputants and old men the moderators; but here, when old men were the disputants, as a rebuke to them for their unbecoming heat, a young man is raised up to be the moderator. Divers of Job's friends were present, that came to visit him and to receive instruction. Now here we have,

  • I. The reason why his three friends were now silent. They ceased to answer him, and let him have his saying, because he was righteous in his own eyes. This was the reason they gave why they said no more, because it was to no purpose to argue with a man that was so opinionative, v. 1. Those that are self-conceited are indeed hard to be wrought upon; there is more hope of a fool (a fool of God's making) than of those who are fools of their own making, Prov. 26:12. But they did not judge fairly concerning Job: he was really righteous before God, and not righteous in his own eyes only; so that it was only to save their own credit that they made this the reason of their silence, as peevish disputants commonly do when they find themselves run a-ground and are not willing to own themselves unable to make their part good.
  • II. The reasons why Elihu, the fourth, now spoke. His name Elihu signifies My God is he. They had all tried in vain to convince Job, but my God is he that can and will do it, and did it at last: he only can open the understanding. He is said to be a Buzite, from Buz, Nahor's second son (Gen. 22:21), and of the kindred of Ram, that is, Aram (so some), whence the Syrians or Aramites descended and were denominated, Gen. 22:21. Of the kindred of Abram; so the Chaldee-paraphrase, supposing him to be first called Ram-high, then Abram-a high father, and lastly Abraham-the high father of a multitude. Elihu was not so well known as the rest, and therefore is more particularly described thus.
    • 1. Elihu spoke because he was angry and thought he had good cause to be so. When he had made his observations upon the dispute he did not go away and calumniate the disputants, striking them secretly with a malicious censorious tongue, but what he had to say he would say before their faces, that they might vindicate themselves if they could.
      • (1.) He was angry at Job, because he thought he did not speak so reverently of God as he ought to have done; and that was too true (v. 2): He justified himself more than God, that is, took more care and pains to clear himself from the imputation of unrighteousness in being thus afflicted than to clear God from the imputation of unrighteousness in afflicting him, as if he were more concerned for his own honour than for God's; whereas he should, in the first place, have justified God and cleared his glory, and then he might well enough have left his own reputation to shift for itself. Note, A gracious heart is jealous for the honour of God, and cannot but be angry when that is neglected or postponed, or when any injury is done it. Nor is it any breach of the law of meekness to be angry at our friends when they are offensive to God. Get thee behind me, Satan, says Christ to Simon. Elihu owned Job to be a good man, and yet would not say as he said when he thought he said amiss: it is too great a compliment to our friends not to tell them of their faults.
      • (2.) He was angry at his friends because he thought they had not conducted themselves so charitably towards Job as they ought to have done (v. 3): They had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. They had adjudged him to be a hypocrite, a wicked man, and would not recede from that sentence concerning him; and yet they could not prove him so, nor disprove the evidences he produced of his integrity. They could not make good the premises, and yet held fast the conclusion. They had no reply to make to his arguments, and yet they would not yield, but, right or wrong, would run him down; and this was not fair. Seldom is a quarrel begun, and more seldom is a quarrel carried on to the length that this was, in which there is not a fault on both sides. Elihu, as became a moderator, took part with neither, but was equally displeased with the mistakes and mismanagement of both. Those that in good earnest seek for truth must thus be impartial in their judgments concerning the contenders, and not reject what is true and good on either side for the sake of what is amiss, nor approve or defend what is amiss for the sake of what is true and good, but must learn to separate between the precious and the vile.
    • 2. Elihu spoke because he thought that it was time to speak, and that now, at length, it had come to his turn, v. 4, 5.
      • (1.) He had waited on Job's speeches, had patiently heard him out, until the words of Job were ended.
      • (2.) He had waited on his friends' silence, so that, as he would not interrupt him, so he would not prevent them, not because they were wiser than he, but because they were older than he, and therefore it was expected by the company that they should speak first; and Elihu was very modest, and would by no means offer to abridge them of their privilege. Some certain rules of precedency must be observed, for the keeping of order. Though inward real honour will attend true wisdom and worth, yet, since every man will think himself or his friend the wisest and worthiest, this can afford no certain rule for the outward ceremonial honour, which therefore must attend seniority either of age or office; and this respect the seniors may the better require because they paid it when they were juniors, and the juniors may the better pay because they shall have it when they come to be seniors.

Job 32:6-14

Elihu here appears to have been,

  • I. A man of great modesty and humility. Though a young man, and a man of abilities, yet not pert, and confident, and assuming: his face shone, and, like Moses, he did not know it, which made it shine so much the brighter. Let it be observed by all, especially by young people, as worthy their imitation,
    • 1. What a diffidence he had of himself and of his own judgment (v. 6): "I am young, and therefore I was afraid, and durst not show you my opinion, for fear I should either prove mistaken or do that which was unbecoming me.' He was so observant of all that passed, and applied his mind so closely to what he heard, that he had formed in himself a judgment of it. He neither neglected it as foreign, nor declined it as intricate; but, how clear soever the matter was to himself, he was afraid to deliver his mind upon it, because he differed in his sentiments from those that were older than he. Note, It becomes us to be suspicious of our own judgment in matters of doubtful disputation, to be swift to hear the sentiments of others and slow to speak our own, especially when we go contrary to the judgment of those for whom, upon the score of their learning and piety, we justly have a veneration.
    • 2. What a deference he paid to his seniors, and what great expectations he had from them, (v. 7): I said, Days should speak. Note, Age and experience give a man great advantage in judging of things, both as they furnish a man with so much the more matter for his thoughts to work upon and as they ripen and improve the facilities he is to work with, which is a good reason why old people should take pains both to learn themselves and to teach others (else the advantages of their age are a reproach to them), and why young people should attend on their instructions. It is a good lodging with an old disciple, Acts 21:16; Tit. 2:4. Elihu's modesty appeared in the patient attention he gave to what his seniors said, v. 11, 12. He waited for their words as one that expected much from them, agreeably to the opinion he had of these grave men. He gave ear to their reasons, that he might take their meaning, and fully understand what was the drift of their discourse and what the force of their arguments. He attended to them with diligence and care, and this,
      • (1.) Though they were slow, and took up a great deal of time in searching out what to say. Though they had often to seek for matter and words, paused and hesitated, and were unready at their work, yet he overlooked that, and gave ear to their reasons, which, if really convincing, he would not think the less so for the disadvantages of the delivery of them.
      • (2.) Though they trifled and made nothing of it, though none of them answered Job's words nor said what was proper to convince him, yet he attended to them, in hopes they would bring it to some head at last. We must often be willing to hear what we do not like, else we cannot prove all things. His patient attendance on their discourses he pleads,
        • [1.] As that which entitled him to a liberty of speech in his turn and empowered him to require their attention. Hanc veniam petimusque damusque vicissim-This liberty we mutually allow and ask. Those that have heard may speak, and those that have learned may teach.
        • [2.] As that which enabled him to pass a judgment upon what they had said. He had observed what they aimed at, and therefore knew what to say to it. Let us be thoroughly apprized of the sentiments of our brethren before we censure them; for he that answers a matter before he hears it, or when he has heard it only by halves, it is folly and shame to him, and bespeaks him both impertinent and imperious.
  • II. A man of great sense and courage, and one that knew as well when and how to speak as when and how to keep silence. Though he had so much respect to his friends as not to interrupt them with his speaking, yet he had so much regard to truth and justice (his better friends) as not to betray them by his silence. He boldly pleads,
    • 1. That man is a rational creature, and therefore that every man has for himself a judgment of discretion and ought to be allowed a liberty of speech in his turn. He means the same that Job did (ch. 12:3, But I have understanding as well as you) when he says (v. 8), But there is a spirit in man; only he expresses it a little more modestly, that one man has understanding as well as another, and no man can pretend to have the monopoly of reason or to engross all the trade of it. Had he meant I have revelation as well as you (as some understand it), he must have proved it; but, if he meant only I have reason as well as you, they cannot deny it, for it is every man's honour, and it is no presumption to claim it, nor could they gainsay his inference from it (v. 10): Therefore hearken to me. Learn here,
      • (1.) That the soul is a spirit, neither material itself nor dependent upon matter, but capable of conversing with things spiritual, which are not the objects of sense.
      • (2.) It is an understanding spirit. It is able to discover and receive truth, to discourse and reason upon it, and to direct and rule accordingly.
      • (3.) This understanding spirit is in every man; it is the light that lighteth every man, Jn. 1:9.
      • (4.) It is the inspiration of the Almighty that gives us this understanding spirit; for he is the Father of spirits and fountain of understanding. See Gen. 2:7; Eccl. 12:7; Zec. 12:1.
    • 2. That those who are advanced above others in grandeur and gravity do not always proportionably go beyond them in knowledge and wisdom (v. 9): Great men are not always wise; it is a pity but they were, for then they would never do hurt with their greatness and would do so much the more good with their wisdom. Men should be preferred for their wisdom, and those that are in honour and power have most need of wisdom and have the greatest opportunity of improving in it; and yet it does not follow that great men are always wise, and therefore it is folly to subscribe to the dictates of any with an implicit faith. The aged do not always understand judgment; even they may be mistaken, and therefore must not expect to bring every thought into obedience to them: nay, therefore they must not take it as an affront to be contradicted, but rather take it as a kindness to be instructed, by their juniors: Therefore I said, hearken to me, v. 10. We must be willing to hear reason from those that are every way inferior to us, and to yield to it. He that has a good eye can see further upon level ground than he that is purblind can from the top of the highest mountain. Better is a poor and wise child then an old and foolish king, Eccl. 4:13.
    • 3. That it was requisite for something to be said, for the setting of this controversy in a true light, which, by all that had hitherto been said, was but rendered more intricate and perplexed (v. 13): "I must speak, lest you should say, We have found out wisdom, lest you should think your argument against Job conclusive and irrefragable, and that Job cannot be convinced and humbled by any other argument than this of yours, That God casteth him down and not man, that it appears by his extraordinary afflictions that God is his enemy, and therefore he is certainly a wicked man. I must show you that this is a false hypothesis and that Job may be convinced without maintaining it.' Or, "Lest you should think you have found out the wisest way, to reason no more with him, but leave it to God to thrust him down.' It is time to speak when we hear errors advanced and disputed for, especially under pretence of supporting the cause of God with them. It is time to speak when God's judgments are vouched for the patronizing of men's pride and passion and their unjust uncharitable censures of their brethren; then we must speak on God's behalf.
    • 4. That he had something new to offer, and would endeavour to manage the dispute in a better manner than it had hitherto been managed, v. 14. He thinks he may expect a favourable hearing; for,
      • (1.) He will not reply to Job's protestations of his integrity, but allows the truth of them, and therefore does not interpose as his enemy: "He hath not directed his words against me. I have nothing to say against the main scope of his discourse, nor do I differ from his principles. I have only a gentle reproof to give him for his passionate expressions.'
      • (2.) He will not repeat their arguments, nor go upon their principles: "Neither will I answer him with your speeches-not with the same matter, for should I only say what has been said I might justly be silenced as impertinent,-nor in the same manner; I will not be guilty of that peevishness towards him myself which I dislike in you.' The controversy that has already been fully handled a wise man will let alone, unless he can amend and improve what has been done; why should he actum agere-do that which has been done already?

Job 32:15-22

Three things here apologize for Elihu's interposing as he does in this controversy which had already been canvassed by such acute and learned disputants:-

  • 1. That the stage was clear, and he did not break in upon any of the managers on either side: They were amazed (v. 15); they stood still, and answered no more, v. 16. They not only left off speaking themselves, but they stood still, to hear if any of the company would speak their minds, so that (as we say) he had room and fair play given him. They seemed not fully satisfied themselves with what they had said, else they would have adjourned the court, and not have stood still, expecting what might further be offered. And therefore I said (v. 17), "I will answer also my part. I cannot pretend to give a definitive sentence; no, the judgment is the Lord's, and by him it must be determined who is in the right and who is in the wrong; but, since you have each of you shown your opinion, I also will show mine, and let it take its fate with the rest.' When what is offered, even by the meanest, is offered thus modestly, it is a pity but it should be fairly heard and considered. I see no inconvenience in supposing that Elihu here discovers himself to be the penman of this book, and that he here writes as an historian, relating the matter of fact, that, after he had bespoken their attention in the foregoing verses, they were amazed, they left off whispering among themselves, did not gainsay the liberty of speech he desired, but stood still to hear what he would say, being much surprised at the admirable mixture of boldness and modesty that appeared in his preface.
  • 2. That he was uneasy, and even in pain, to be delivered of his thoughts upon this matter. They must give him leave to speak, for he cannot forbear; while he is musing the fire burns (Ps. 39:3), shut up in his bones, as the prophet speaks, Jer. 20:9. Never did nurse, when her breasts were gorged, so long to have them drawn as Elihu did to deliver his mind concerning Job's case, v. 18-20. If any of the disputants had hit that which he thought was the right joint, he would contentedly have been silent; but, when he thought they all missed it, he was eager to be trying his hand at it. He pleads,
    • (1.) That he had a great deal to say: "I am full of matter, having carefully attended to all that has hitherto been said, and made my own reflections upon it.' When aged men are drawn dry, and have spent their stock, in discoursing of the divine Providence, God can raise up others, even young men, and fill them with matter for the edifying of his church; for it is a subject that can never be exhausted, though those that speak upon it may.
    • (2.) That he was under a necessity of saying it: "The spirit within me not only instructs me what to say, but puts me on to say it; so that if I have not vent (such a ferment are my thoughts in) I shall burst like bottles of new wine when it is working,' v. 19. See what a great grief it is to a good minister to be silenced and thrust into a corner; he is full of matter, full of Christ, full of heaven, and would speak of these things for the good of others, but he may not.
    • (3.) That it would be an ease and satisfaction to himself to deliver his mind (v. 20): I will speak, that I may be refreshed, not only that I may be eased of the pain of stifling my thoughts, but that I may have the pleasure of endeavouring, according to my place and capacity, to do good. It is a great refreshment to a good man to have liberty to speak for the glory of God and the edification of others.
  • 3. That he was resolved to speak, with all possible freedom and sincerity, what he thought was true, not what he thought would please (v. 21, 22): "Let me not accept any man's person, as partial judges do, that aim to enrich themselves, not to do justice. I am resolved to flatter no man.' He would not speak otherwise than he thought, either,
    • (1.) In compassion to Job, because he was poor and in affliction, would not make his case better than he really took it to be, for fear of increasing his grief; "but, let him bear it as he can, he shall be told the truth.' Those that are in affliction must not be flattered, but dealt faithfully with. When trouble is upon any it is foolish pity to suffer sin upon them too (Lev. 19:17), for that is the worst addition that can be to their trouble. Thou shalt not countenance, any more than discountenance, a poor man in his cause (Ex. 23:3), nor regard a sad look any more than a big look, so as, for the sake of it, to pervert justice, for that is accepting persons. Or,
    • (2.) In compliment to Job's friends, because they were in prosperity and reputation. Let them not expect that he should say as they said, any further than he was convinced that they say right, nor applaud their dictates for the sake of their dignities. No, though Elihu is a young man, and upon his preferment, he will not dissemble truth to court the favour of great men. It is a good resolution he has taken up-"I know not to give flattering titles to men; I never used myself to flattering language;' and it is a good reason he gives for that resolution-in so doing my Maker would soon take my away. It is good to keep ourselves in awe with a holy fear of God's judgments. He that made us will take us away in his wrath if we do not conduct ourselves as we should. He hates all dissimulation and flattery, and will soon put lying lips to silence and cut off flattering lips, Ps. 12:3. The more closely we eye the majesty of God as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less danger shall we be in of a sinful fearing or flattering of men.