Job 32:5-9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 32:1-5

Usually young men are the disputants and old men the moderators; but here, when old men were the disputants, as a rebuke to them for their unbecoming heat, a young man is raised up to be the moderator. Divers of Job's friends were present, that came to visit him and to receive instruction. Now here we have, I. The reason why his three friends were now silent. They ceased to answer him, and let him have his saying, because he was righteous in his own eyes. This was the reason they gave why they... read more

Matthew Henry

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 32:5

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men ,.... That could be called an answer; nay, when he perceived they were quite nonplussed and silenced, though men of years and experience, and reputed wise and knowing: then his wrath was kindled ; his spirit was stirred up; his heart was hot within him; he burned with anger against those men; he was all on fire, as it were, and wanted to vent his resentment. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 32:6

And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said ,.... Since there was no answer in them, he takes upon him to give one himself; but first makes an apology on account of his youth: I am young, and ye are very old ; or "few of days"; a few days, comparatively speaking, had he lived in the world; or "small", or "little as two days" F13 צעיר אני לימים "minimus ego diebus", Montanus; "parvus diebus sum", Mercerus. ; he had been but a little time in it, and so could... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 32:8

But there is a spirit in man ,.... This seems to be a correction of his former sentiment; the consideration of which gave him encouragement, though young, to declare his opinion, since there is a spirit in men, both young and old; and wherever that be, there is an ability to speak and a capacity of teaching wisdom; which is not tied to age; but may he found in young men as well as in old men: some by this understand the rational soul, or spirit, which is immaterial, immortal, is of God,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 32:9

Great men are not always wise ,.... Men of grandeur and dignity, as Job's friends might be, the rich, the honourable, and noble; the apostle is thought to refer to this, at least to express the sentiment contained in it, 1 Corinthians 1:26 ; or the great in quantity, the many, the multitude; and therefore are not to be followed in principle or practice; or that are great in years, well stricken in age, have lived long in the world, so some versions F17 רבים πολυχρονιοι , Sept.... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 32:6

I am young - How young he was, or how old they were, we cannot tell; but there was no doubt a great disparity in their ages; and among the Asiatics the youth never spoke in the presence of the elders, especially on any subject of controversy. 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 32:8

But there is a spirit in man - Mr. Good translates: - "But surely there is an afflation in mankind, And the inspiration of the Almighty actuateth them." Coverdale, thus: - Every man (no doute) hath a mynde; but it is the inspyracion of the Almightie that geveth understondinge. read more

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