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Job 32

World English Bible

WEB

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.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Job Chapter 32 introduces a new character named #Elihu, who has been listening to the discussions between Job and his three friends. Elihu is described as the son of #Barachel the #Buzite, and he is filled with a youthful zeal and a desire to speak out after being silent for so long. He expresses his frustration with the arguments of Job's friends, who have failed to provide satisfactory answers to Job's suffering. Elihu believes that wisdom does not solely come from age but can also be found in the Spirit of God, which inspires understanding. This sets the stage for his forthcoming speeches, where he aims to offer a fresh perspective on Job's plight and the nature of God's justice (Job 32:6-9).

Elihu's speech emphasizes the importance of listening to God and recognizing His sovereignty. He asserts that God communicates with humanity in various ways, including through dreams and suffering, to guide and correct them (Job 33:14-18). Elihu's approach is to highlight God's righteousness and the need for repentance, suggesting that Job's afflictions may be a form of divine discipline rather than punishment. This chapter serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, as Elihu prepares to challenge both Job and his friends, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's ways and the purpose of human suffering.

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Topics in this chapter

  • Job 33ElihuJobCommunication
  • Job 36ElihuDivine InsightGod's Wisdom
  • Job 15EliphazDivine InsightGod's Wisdom
  • Job 42ZopharBildadEliphaz
  • Job 34ElihuGod's WisdomJob
  • Proverbs 2Chokmah (Wisdom)Divine WisdomUnderstanding
  • Job 37Breath of GodElihuGod's Wisdom
  • Job 11ZopharGod's WisdomChokmah (Wisdom)
  • Job 6Human WisdomEliphazCounsel
  • Job 2Friendship in the BibleZopharBildad
  • Job 35ElihuJobDivine Wisdom
  • Job 8BildadArtistic Expression in the BibleJob

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