A YOUNG MAN SHARES WISDOM

Job 32:1-22 / Keywords 32:8

But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

 

Elihu

32:1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. 3 He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.[a] 4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. 5 But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.

6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said:

“I am young in years,

    and you are old;

that is why I was fearful,

    not daring to tell you what I know.

7 I thought, ‘Age should speak;

    advanced years should teach wisdom.’

8 But it is the spirit[b] in a person,

    the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.

9 It is not only the old[c] who are wise,

    not only the aged who understand what is right.

10 “Therefore I say: Listen to me;

    I too will tell you what I know.

11 I waited while you spoke,

    I listened to your reasoning;

while you were searching for words,

12     I gave you my full attention.

But not one of you has proved Job wrong;

    none of you has answered his arguments.

13 Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom;

    let God, not a man, refute him.’

14 But Job has not marshaled his words against me,

    and I will not answer him with your arguments.

15 “They are dismayed and have no more to say;

    words have failed them.

16 Must I wait, now that they are silent,

    now that they stand there with no reply?

17 I too will have my say;

    I too will tell what I know.

18 For I am full of words,

    and the spirit within me compels me;

19 inside I am like bottled-up wine,

    like new wineskins ready to burst.

20 I must speak and find relief;

    I must open my lips and reply.

21 I will show no partiality,

    nor will I flatter anyone;

22 for if I were skilled in flattery,

    my Maker would soon take me away.

Footnotes

a. Job 32:3 Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition Job, and so had condemned God

b. Job 32:8 Or Spirit; also in verse 18

c. Job 32:9 Or many; or great

1. After Job’s three friends can find no further way to reply to him, a fourth and younger person speaks up—Elihu. Though he held his tongue at first because he was in the presence of elders, he became so angry that he could not help but speak (5). It is good that he first listened carefully before replying.

 

2. Elihu rebukes Job’s friends for condemning him even though they could find no way to refute his arguments (12-13). We should not condemn someone when we don’t have true knowledge of what they are going through. It is better to withhold judgment altogether.

 

3. Elihu claims to have genuine wisdom and to speak without partiality (21). When the Holy Spirit inspires someone with insight, they deserve to be listened to, whether they are young or old. Let’s pray for discernment of when the Spirit is leading us to speak out.

 

Prayer Father, help me always listen and pray before speaking. Give me true wisdom and understanding from your Spirit.

One Word Speak words of understanding