GiveDownload the App
Book & Chapter
Version

Summary

Job 32:1–5 – Elihu enters, angered at all sides

What happens: Job’s friends stop answering because he is righteous in his own eyes. Elihu, younger than the others, burns with anger at Job for justifying himself rather than God and at the friends for failing to answer.

What it means: Age does not guarantee wisdom and youth does not forbid it. God cares both about truthful doctrine and tender hearts. Anger can be righteous but must be guided by reverence.

Job 32:6–14 – Wisdom from God’s Spirit, not age alone

What happens: Elihu explains he waited out of respect, but insight comes from the breath of the Almighty. He says the friends have not refuted Job and warns against boasting in age.

What it means: God grants understanding by his Spirit. Humility listens before speaking. Tradition helps, but truth is God’s.

Job 32:15–22 – Compelled to speak without flattery

What happens: Seeing their silence, Elihu feels like new wine needing to vent. He will speak without partiality and will not flatter, for his Maker would soon take him away.

What it means: Honesty before God rejects people-pleasing. Courageous counsel serves God first. Words should relieve pressure by delivering truth with integrity.

Application

  • Seek wisdom from God, not merely from age or rank.
  • Let zeal be ruled by humility and patience.
  • Speak truth without flattery, aiming to honor God and help people.

Bible

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

2Then 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.

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

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

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

6And 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

← Job 31Job 33 →

Take Versely with you

Queue devotion plans, track progress, and unlock audio guides inside the Versely app.

Download the AppSupport Versely