‏ Job 32

* Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his

friends. (1-5) He reproves them. (6-14) He speaks without

partiality. (15-22)

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. 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. 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.