Elihu is Upset with Job’s Friends
October 19, 2021
Commentary
Elihu enters the discussion after the three friends fall silent. He has listened respectfully, but he is an angry young man (vv. 1–5). He is angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God, and angry with the three friends because they cannot refute Job, and yet still condemn him. Though the youngest, Elihu believes age alone does not guarantee wisdom (vv. 6–9). He feels compelled to speak because he thinks everyone else is mistaken (vv. 10, 17). He admits, “I am full of matter” and compares himself to wine ready to burst (vv. 18–19). His words press within him, and he cannot remain silent. Youthful zeal and frustration shape his tone. He respects tradition yet challenges older voices boldly.
Elihu’s speech continues for six chapters. He repeats some ideas he spoke of earlier, yet his purpose differs. He does not focus mainly on proving Job’s sin, but on correcting Job’s understanding of God. He suggests that suffering may serve as warning and protection, not only punishment (33:18–24). Elihu presents himself as one who speaks with insight given by the Spirit (vv. 8–10). He claims to show no partiality and to flatter no one (vv. 21–22). He desires to defend God’s honor clearly. He believes God is just and purposeful always.
Four reasons explain why Elihu believes he must speak. First, he is indignant; the text repeatedly states that he is angry (vv. 1–3, 5). Second, he believes he is inspired by God’s Spirit (vv. 8–10). Third, he says he is impartial, though not neutral (vv. 14, 21–22). Fourth, he feels impelled, convinced he has a divine mandate to speak (vv. 16–20). Though confident, Elihu must still learn humility before the Lord. Passion alone does not equal wisdom. True wisdom listens before it speaks.
Application
When I see others speak wrongly, do I respond with anger or humility? Do I think I am wiser than everyone else? Am I quick to speak and slow to listen? Do I interrupt others? I want zeal for God’s honor, but also a gentle heart. I will teach myself to wait, to listen well, and to speak truth with patience and love today.
Job 32:1–22 (NET)
1 So these three men refused to answer Job further, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry. He was angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. 3 With Job’s three friends he was also angry, because they could not find an answer, and so declared Job guilty. 4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job, because the others were older than he was. 5 But when Elihu saw that the three men had no further reply, he became very angry.
6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: “I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful, and afraid to explain to you what I know.
7 I said to myself, ‘Age should speak, and length of years should make wisdom known.’
8 But it is a spirit in people, the breath of the Almighty, that makes them understand.
9 It is not the aged who are wise, nor old men who understand what is right.
10 Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me. I, even I, will explain what I know.’
11 Look, I waited for you to speak; I listened closely to your wise thoughts, while you were searching for words.
12 Now I was paying you close attention, yet there was no one proving Job wrong, not one of you was answering his statements.
13 So do not say, ‘We have found wisdom. God will refute him, not man.’
14 Job has not directed his words to me, and so I will not reply to him with your arguments.
15 “They are dismayed and cannot answer anymore; they have nothing left to say.
16 And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more,
17 I too will answer my part, I too will explain what I know.
18 For I am full of words, and the spirit within me constrains me.
19 Inside I am like wine that has no outlet, like new wineskins ready to burst!
20 I will speak, so that I may find relief; I will open my lips, so that I may answer.
21 I will not show partiality to any person, nor will I confer a title on anyone.
22 For I do not know how to give honorary titles, if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.
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