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Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends
Job 32:1-22 introduces Elihu after Job’s three friends stop answering. The passage explains why Elihu is angry, why he has been silent, and why he now chooses to speak within this wisdom dialogue.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
The three men stop answering Job because he is righteous in his own eyes. Elihu becomes angry with Job and with the friends. He says he waited because they were older, listened carefully to what they said, and now speaks because they have no answer.
Job 32:1–22Main takeaway
Elihu enters the discussion because he is angry that Job justified himself rather than God, and that the friends had found no answer and yet had condemned Job.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01The discussion changes speakerThe passage begins when Job’s three friends stop answering him, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
Explanation
The passage begins when Job’s three friends stop answering him, because he was righteous in his own eyes. At that point Elihu is introduced, and his anger is described in two directions: against Job for justifying himself rather than God, and against the friends because they condemned Job without an answer.
02Why Elihu stayed silent at firstElihu explains that he had waited because the others were older than he was. He expected age and many years to teach wisdom.
Explanation
Elihu explains that he had waited because the others were older than he was. He expected age and many years to teach wisdom. Yet he adds that understanding comes from the Spirit of the Almighty, so wisdom and justice are not guaranteed simply by age, status, or greatness.
03His complaint against the three friendsElihu says he listened carefully while the three men searched for words. After paying full attention, he concludes that none of them convinced Job or answered his words.
Explanation
Elihu says he listened carefully while the three men searched for words. After paying full attention, he concludes that none of them convinced Job or answered his words. He warns them not to claim they have found wisdom by saying only that God, not man, may refute him.
04Why he now decides to speakBecause the others are silent and have no more to say, Elihu decides to answer his part. He says he is full of words and uses the picture of wine with no vent, like new wineskins ready to burst.
Explanation
Because the others are silent and have no more to say, Elihu decides to answer his part. He says he is full of words and uses the picture of wine with no vent, like new wineskins ready to burst. He promises not to show partiality or give flattering titles, because he does not know how to flatter.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What two reasons are given for Elihu’s anger?
02How does Elihu relate age to wisdom and understanding?
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Job 32:1–22
1So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God.
3Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he.
5When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.
6Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, “I am young, and you are very old. Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare show you my opinion.
7I said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’
8But there is a spirit in man, and the Spirit of the Almighty gives them understanding.
9It is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.
10Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.’
11“Behold, I waited for your words, and I listened for your reasoning, while you searched out what to say.
12Yes, I gave you my full attention, but there was no one who convinced Job, or who answered his words, among you.
13Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom. God may refute him, not man;’
14for he has not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15“They are amazed. They answer no more. They don’t have a word to say.
16Shall I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?
17I also will answer my part, and I also will show my opinion.
18For I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains me.
19Behold, my breast is as wine which has no vent; like new wineskins it is ready to burst.
20I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.
21Please don’t let me respect any man’s person, neither will I give flattering titles to any man.
22For I don’t know how to give flattering titles, or else my Maker would soon take me away.