Job 32:7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 32:6-14

Elihu here appears to have been, I. A man of great modesty and humility. Though a young man, and a man of abilities, yet not pert, and confident, and assuming: his face shone, and, like Moses, he did not know it, which made it shine so much the brighter. Let it be observed by all, especially by young people, as worthy their imitation, 1. What a diffidence he had of himself and of his own judgment (Job 32:6): ?I am young, and therefore I was afraid, and durst not show you my opinion, for fear I... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 32:7

I said, days should speak ,.... That is, men of days, of many days, who have lived many days and years in the world: man in common is but of few days, even the most that men arrive to are but few; and some indeed are very few, in comparison of whom others may be said to be men of days, or to have lived many days; and to such it belongs to speak, it is their place, nor should they be prevented or interrupted; it should be allowed them to speak, nor should they be hindered; and it is their... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 32:7

Days should speak - That is, men are to be reputed wise and experienced in proportion to the time they have lived. The Easterns were remarkable for treasuring up wise sayings: indeed, the principal part of their boasted wisdom consisted in proverbs and maxims on different subjects. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 32:1-22

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 32:1-22

The voice of juvenile self-confidence. We now approach the solution of the mystery, the untying of the knot, the end of the controversy. Job's three friends have failed to convince Job that he is suffering the wellmented consequences of evil-doing; and he has failed to convince them of his integrity. Now a younger friend speaks with kindled wrath because the three friends "had found no answer." He speaks with the undue confidence of youth; but he weaves many words of truth and wisdom into... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 32:6-22

The speech of Elihu now begins. In the present chapter, after a short apologetic exordium, excusing his youth ( Job 32:6-9 ), he addresses himself exclusively to Job's friends. He has listened attentively to them, and weighed their words (verses 11, 12). but has found nothing in them that confuted Job. They had not "found wisdom"—they had not "vanquished Job"—at the last they had been "amazed, and had not had a word more to say" (verses 13-16). Elihu, therefore, will supply their deficiency;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 32:6-22

The apology of Elihu. I. THE REASONS OF HIS PREVIOUS RETICENCE . Elihu had been an earnest listener to the controversy Job waged with his three friends, "waiting for Job with words" (verse 4), i.e. eager to pour out in speech the arguments that trembled on his lips; and now he declares that two things had restrained him from joining earlier in the discussion. 1 . A modest respect for their superior age. He was but a young man (literally, "few of years"), while they were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 32:7

I said ; i.e. "I kept saying to myself, when the desire to interrupt came upon me." Days should speak . Age should give wisdom, and the speech of the old should be most worthy of being attended to. Elihu had been brought up in this conviction, and therefore refrained himself. And multitude of years should teach wisdom . "Old experience should attain to something of prophetic strain." "One ought to give attention," says Aristotle, "to the mere unproved assertions of wise and aged men,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 32:7

I said, Days should speak - The aged ought to speak. They have had the advantage of long observation of the course of events; they are acquainted with the sentiments of past times; they may have had an opportunity of conversing with distinguished sages, and it is to them that we look up for counsel. This was eminently in accordance with the ancient Oriental views of what is right; and it is a sentiment which accords with what is obviously proper, however little it is regarded in modern times.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Job 32:5-8

Job 32:5-8. When Elihu saw, &c., then his wrath was kindled When he saw that none of these three offered to reply, but sat as men that knew not what to say, he was not able to hold his peace any longer. With the next words the metre begins again, the preceding part of this chapter being in prose. I am young, and ye are very old I have considered all this time my own youth and your aged experience; wherefore I was afraid Of being thought forward and presumptuous, and so have hitherto... read more

Group of Brands