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The Bible · 468 of 1189

Job 32

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.

Asked of Guide

Why does Elihu wait to speak, and what changes when he finally speaks?

Elihu waits because he is younger than the three friends and respects their seniority—“I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion”—but he also watches them fail to answer Job and grows frustrated that they condemn Job without convincing him. His waiting turns into urgency when he sees “there was none of you that convinced Job,” and the spirit within him compels him: he says his belly is like wine ready to burst and vows to speak so he may be refreshed.

When Elihu speaks he claims authority from the Spirit rather than age, saying “the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding,” and refuses flattery or partiality toward any man. His arrival shifts the debate’s basis from tradition and seniority to a claim that divine inspiration, not merely years, grants discernment—this anticipates later prophetic-style speeches in books like Isaiah.

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