1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then 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.
3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
6 And 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.
7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
Chapter 32 of the Book of Job in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is the beginning of a new section in the book. This chapter introduces a new character, Elihu, who has been listening to the debate between Job and his three friends. Elihu is described as being younger than the other characters and his name means "God is my strength." In this chapter, Elihu speaks for the first time and presents his thoughts on the situation to Job and his friends. The main themes of this chapter include the introduction of a new perspective, the importance of listening and understanding, and the role of humility in wisdom. This chapter serves as a transition between the previous dialogues and the final speeches of the book.
Throughout the previous chapters, Job and his friends have been engaged in a heated debate about the reasons for Job's suffering. Job's friends have been arguing that Job must have sinned and brought this suffering upon himself, while Job maintains his innocence and demands an explanation from God. However, with the introduction of Elihu, a new perspective is brought into the conversation. Elihu is described as being younger than the others, which could suggest that he has a different life experience and perspective. He also states that he has been listening to the debate without interrupting because he believed that "days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom" (Job 32:7). This shows that Elihu values the wisdom that comes with age and experience, but he also believes that there is value in listening to the perspectives of others.
Elihu's perspective is different from that of Job's friends because he does not accuse Job of sinning or try to defend God's justice. Instead, he focuses on the idea that suffering can be used as a means of discipline and correction from God. He also emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to God, rather than dwelling on the past. This new perspective adds depth to the conversation and challenges the narrow-minded views of Job's friends. It also sets the stage for the final speeches of the book, where God himself will speak and provide the ultimate perspective on Job's suffering.
One of the main themes in this chapter is the importance of listening and understanding. Elihu states that he has been listening to the debate between Job and his friends and has waited patiently for them to finish speaking before he presents his thoughts. He believes that "great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment" (Job 32:9). This shows that Elihu recognizes the value of listening to others, regardless of their age or status. He also acknowledges that wisdom does not always come with age and that understanding is not limited to the elderly.
Elihu also emphasizes the importance of understanding the full context of a situation before making judgments or giving advice. He points out that Job's friends have not fully understood the depth of Job's suffering and that they have failed to provide comfort or support to him. He also criticizes Job for focusing on his own righteousness and refusing to listen to the perspectives of others. This highlights the importance of open-mindedness and humility in seeking understanding and wisdom.
Elihu's speech also brings attention to the role of humility in wisdom. He states that "the spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life" (Job 32:8). This shows that Elihu recognizes that true wisdom comes from God and that he is merely a vessel for God's wisdom. He also acknowledges his own limitations and that he does not have all the answers. This humility sets him apart from Job's friends, who have been speaking with arrogance and self-righteousness.
Elihu also highlights the importance of humility in seeking wisdom and understanding. He states that "surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me" (Job 33:8-9). This is a direct reference to Job's words in the previous chapters, where he has maintained his innocence and accused God of being unjust. Elihu challenges Job's pride and encourages him to humble himself before God and seek understanding and wisdom.
Chapter 32 of the Book of Job serves as a transition between the previous dialogues and the final speeches of the book. It introduces a new character, Elihu, who brings a different perspective to the conversation. This chapter also emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding, as well as the role of humility in wisdom. The introduction of Elihu adds depth to the discussion and challenges the narrow-minded views of Job's friends. It also prepares the reader for the final speeches of the book, where God himself will speak and provide the ultimate perspective on suffering and wisdom.
Overall, Chapter 32 of the Book of Job highlights the importance of having an open mind, listening to others, and seeking wisdom with humility. It also serves as a reminder that true wisdom comes from God and that we should always be willing to listen and learn from others, regardless of their age or status.
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