Job 32 | MHM | STEP | The Address of Elihu In this chapter, Elihu, a younger man among Job’s audience, steps forward to speak. Job’s three friends have stopped arguing with him because they believe it is pointless to continue. Elihu, however, feels compelled to share his perspective. His address is meant to act as a moderation between Job and his friends, as he is displeased with both sides. Elihu's name means My God is He , and his speech shows his passion for defending God’s honor. v. 1 : Job’s three friends stop answering him because they believe he was righteous in his own eyes . They feel it is useless to argue further with someone they see as stubborn. However, their reasoning is unfair because Job is not merely self-righteous

‏ Job 32

The Address of Elihu

In this chapter, Elihu, a younger man among Job’s audience, steps forward to speak. Job’s three friends have stopped arguing with him because they believe it is pointless to continue. Elihu, however, feels compelled to share his perspective. His address is meant to act as a moderation between Job and his friends, as he is displeased with both sides. Elihu's name means My God is He, and his speech shows his passion for defending God’s honor.

v. 1: Job’s three friends stop answering him because they believe he was righteous in his own eyes . They feel it is useless to argue further with someone they see as stubborn. However, their reasoning is unfair because Job is not merely self-righteous—he is truly righteous before God.

v. 2–3: Elihu speaks because he is angry. First, he is upset with Job for justifying himself more than God. He justified himself more than God (Job 32:2 ^a). Elihu feels that Job has focused too much on defending his own innocence and not enough on defending God’s justice. Second, Elihu is angry with Job’s friends because they condemned Job without proving their accusations. They had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job (Job 32:3 ^b). They failed to provide strong arguments, but they still judged Job harshly.

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v. 4–5: Elihu waited patiently before speaking. He respected the seniority of Job’s friends and allowed them to speak first. Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he (Job 32:4 ^c). However, when Elihu saw that the friends had nothing more to say, he decided it was his turn to share his thoughts (Job 32:5 ^d). Elihu’s patience and respect for others show his humility, even though he feels strongly about the issues at hand.

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Elihu’s Humility and Resolve to Speak

Elihu now begins his speech with respect and humility. Although he is younger than Job and the three friends, he has carefully listened to the whole discussion. Elihu shows wisdom in waiting for his turn and respecting the opinions of his elders. At the same time, he believes it is important to speak when truth and justice are at stake. He wants everyone to know that good ideas can come from anyone, no matter their age.

v. 6–7: Elihu says, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not show you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom (Job 32:6–7 ^e). He was careful and respectful because he thought older people would have more wisdom.

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v. 8: Elihu explains that wisdom comes from God, not just from age. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding . True understanding is a gift from God to each person.

v. 9–10: He reminds them that being old or important does not always mean being wise. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will show mine opinion (Job 32:9-10 ^f). Elihu asks them to listen to what he has to say.

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v. 11–12: Elihu patiently listened to everyone’s arguments. Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say (Job 32:11-12 ^g). He wanted to understand their views before giving his own.

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v. 13: He explains why he must speak now. Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man . Elihu does not want anyone to think they have solved the problem simply because Job is suffering. He believes there is more to the issue.

v. 14: Elihu says he will not use the same arguments as the three friends. Neither will I answer him with your speeches . He wants to bring a fresh perspective to the conversation, not just repeat what others have already said.

Elihu’s Turn to Speak

Elihu now explains why he is joining the conversation after the other friends have finished. He makes it clear he is not interrupting, but rather speaking because everyone else has stopped. Elihu feels strongly that he must share the ideas and wisdom that are burning in his heart. He promises to speak honestly and not flatter anyone, because he fears God more than people.

v. 15–16: Elihu points out that Job’s friends are silent and have no more answers. They were amazed, they answered no more (Job 32:15 ^h). They stand still, leaving room for someone else to speak (Job 32:16 ⁱ).

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v. 17: Elihu decides to give his opinion too. I will answer also my part, I also will show mine opinion . He feels it is right to add his voice now that the others are finished.

v. 18–20: Elihu explains that he is full of ideas and feels a strong need to speak. I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me (Job 32:18 ^j). He compares himself to wine that will burst if not poured out. Speaking will refresh and relieve him (Job 32:19-20 ^k).

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v. 21–22: Elihu promises to speak honestly and not flatter anyone. Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man (Job 32:21 ^l). He knows that if he flatters people, God—his Maker—would judge him (Job 32:22 ^m). For Elihu, speaking truthfully before God is more important than pleasing people.