View Job 32 in the note window.
lihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his
friends. (1-5) He reproves them. (6-14) He speaks without
partiality. (15-22)
Verses 1-5: Job's friends were silenced, but not convinced. Others had
been present. Elihu was justly displeased with Job, as more
anxious to clear his own character than the justice and goodness
of God. Elihu was displeased with Job's friends because they had
not been candid to Job. Seldom is a quarrel begun, more seldom
is a quarrel carried on, in which there are not faults on both
sides. Those that seek for truth, must not reject what is true
and good on either side, nor approve or defend what is wrong.
Verses 6-14: Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had
the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom
as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By
attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy
Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this
wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and
disposed to give others a patient hearing.
Verses 15-22: If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we
are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to
our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It
is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of
the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the
majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath
and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men.
Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and
his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in
whatever we are called to do.
