The Living Word

KING JAMES VERSION

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

— Isaiah 40:8

Job 32

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1

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

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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.

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3

Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

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4

Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

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5

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.

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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.

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7

I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

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8

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

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9

Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

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10

Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

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11

Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

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12

Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

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13

Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

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14

Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

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15

They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

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16

When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

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17

I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

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18

For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

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19

Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

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20

I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

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21

Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

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22

For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

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Chapter Study & Analysis

Overview

Job 32 introduces Elihu. He is angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God, and with the friends for finding no answer. He begins to speak because "days should speak," but "great men are not always wise."

CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS

1. Spirit over Age: Wisdom is not just a matter of years, but of the "inspiration of the Almighty" (v. 8). We should listen to truth regardless of the age of the speaker.
2. The Zeal for Truth: Elihu couldn't keep silent because he was full of matter (v. 18). When we see God’s character being misrepresented, we should feel a holy urgency to speak.
3. Avoiding Flattery: Elihu refuses to give "flattering titles" to men. True ministry requires speaking the truth without seeking human favor.

Practical Lessons

FORMAL PRAYER

Grant us, O Lord, the inspiration of Thy Spirit. Give us the wisdom to speak the truth with boldness and the humility to listen when Thou speakest through others. Amen.

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