Chapter 32
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1So 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.
“But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”
Overview
A new character enters the story: Elihu, the young man who has been listening in angry silence. He is angry at Job for justifying himself rather than God, and at the three friends for condemning Job without answering him. Elihu insists that wisdom is not the exclusive domain of the aged, for the Spirit of God gives understanding, and he prepares to speak what he believes the others have missed.
Key Themes
Youth and Wisdom
Elihu challenges the assumption that only the elderly possess wisdom, arguing that the Spirit of God can give understanding to anyone.
A New Perspective
Elihu offers a fresh voice in the debate, dissatisfied with both Job's self-justification and the friends' inadequate arguments.
The Compulsion to Speak
Elihu describes being so full of words that he must speak or burst, illustrating the prophetic compulsion to deliver a message.
Study Questions
What does Elihu's entrance add to the dialogue that was missing before?
Is Elihu right that 'there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding' (v. 8)?
How should the church value the insights of younger members?
What does Elihu's anger at both sides reveal about his understanding of the problem?
How does this chapter set the stage for a fresh perspective on Job's suffering?
Connection to Christ
Elihu's insistence that the Spirit gives understanding to all people, not just the aged, anticipates the New Testament teaching that the Holy Spirit distributes gifts to all believers regardless of age or status. Christ promised that the Spirit would 'guide you into all truth' (John 16:13).
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Job 32. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?