Job 32
Job 32 begins after the long debate between Job and his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar), when a new figure, Elihu, appears. In that this chapter presents a new perspective and tone compared to the conversations so far, it becomes a turning point in the flow of Job.
In this chapter, Elihu opens his mouth for the first time and prepares to express his thoughts, honestly revealing feelings of anger and disappointment toward what Job and the three friends had said.
1verseSo these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2verseThen 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.
3verseAlso his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4verseNow Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he.
5verseWhen Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.
6verseElihu 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.
7verseI said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’
8verseBut there is a spirit in man, and the Spirit of the Almighty gives them understanding.
9verseIt is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.
10verseTherefore I said, ‘Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.’
11verse“Behold, I waited for your words, and I listened for your reasoning, while you searched out what to say.
12verseYes, I gave you my full attention, but there was no one who convinced Job, or who answered his words, among you.
13verseBeware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom. God may refute him, not man;’
14versefor he has not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15verse“They are amazed. They answer no more. They don’t have a word to say.
16verseShall I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?
17verseI also will answer my part, and I also will show my opinion.
18verseFor I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains me.
19verseBehold, my breast is as wine which has no vent; like new wineskins it is ready to burst.
20verseI will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.
21versePlease don’t let me respect any man’s person, neither will I give flattering titles to any man.
22verseFor I don’t know how to give flattering titles, or else my Maker would soon take me away.
The Appearance of Elihu and His Feelings
Because Elihu was young, he kept proper manners and waited while the elders spoke, but in the end he could not be satisfied with either Job’s claims or the friends’ replies while he listened quietly. He was angry that Job seemed to make himself appear more righteous than God, and that the friends failed to refute Job’s logic.
- Job claimed his own innocence but could not find an answer.
- The three friends simply condemned Job as a sinner and could not give a meaningful, truthful response.
Elihu’s Motive for Speaking and Humility
Elihu was hesitant because he was young, but he emphasizes that it is not a person’s years of experience, but the Spirit of God who grants wisdom. He felt that he was not speaking merely to carry on an argument, but that what was needed was a truthful answer that does not stray from God’s will.
Throughout this chapter, Elihu shows caution about his motives and his words, confessing that insight given by God is more important than relying on age or experience.
Meditation Points
- We remember that truth and wisdom depend not on a person’s age or experience, but on the Spirit of God.
- We can reflect on the importance of balancing a posture of listening quietly and carefully when others speak, with the courage to speak up when we need to share our own opinion.
- In arguments and conversations, we meditate on making room in our hearts to accept new perspectives instead of insisting only on our own position.
Applying It to Myself
- When I listen to someone’s story for a long time, I check whether I am listening like Elihu.
- When it’s time to speak after being silent for a long while, I examine whether I am leaning more on the wisdom God gives rather than on my own thoughts.
- In conversations and discussions, I can think about how to apply having a true answer and a careful heart to my life today.
