Job 32:15 - Meaning and Application

Three things here help explain why Elihu spoke up in this debate, even though it had already been handled by such sharp and learned speakers.

1. The floor was open, and he did not interrupt either side. They were stunned, and they answered no more (Job 32:15). They did not just stop talking, they also stood still to hear whether anyone else would speak, so he had clear room to speak. They did not seem fully satisfied with what they had said, or they would have ended the discussion instead of waiting to hear more. So Elihu said, “I will answer my part also” (Job 32:17). He does not claim to give the final judgment, because the Lord alone decides who is right and who is wrong. But since each of them had given his view, Elihu would also give his, and let it stand with the rest. When even the humblest person speaks that modestly, it is a shame not to hear him fairly. It is also possible that Elihu is showing himself here as the writer of this book, telling the facts as an historian. If so, he is saying that after he asked for their attention, they were amazed, stopped talking among themselves, did not object to his right to speak, and stood still to hear what he would say. They were deeply struck by the strange mix of boldness and humility in his opening words.

2. He was uneasy and almost in pain until he could say what he thought. They had to let him speak, because he could not hold it in. While he was thinking it over, the fire burned in him (Psalm 39:3), and his words were shut up inside him like a fire in his bones (Jeremiah 20:9). He was eager to speak, as a nurse long wants relief when her breasts are full, and Elihu longed to explain Job’s case (Job 32:18-20). If he had thought any of the others had reached the heart of the matter, he would have stayed quiet. But since he believed they had all missed it, he felt pressed to try his hand.

He says, first, that he had much to say: “I am full of words.” He had listened carefully to everything said so far and had thought it over himself. When older men have spoken long and seem to have used up their store of thoughts about God’s providence, God can still raise up younger men and fill them with useful things for the church. This subject can never be exhausted, even if the speakers are. Second, he says he was under a kind of inner pressure to speak. The spirit within him was not only teaching him what to say, it was pushing him to say it. If he did not give it voice, he would burst like new wine in a wineskin while it is fermenting (Job 32:19). This shows how painful it is for a faithful minister to be silenced and pushed aside. He is full of words about Christ and heaven, and he longs to speak for the good of others, but he may not. Third, speaking would give him relief and satisfaction (Job 32:20). He would speak so that he might be refreshed, not only relieved of the pressure of holding it in, but also glad to do good in the place and measure God had given him. It is a great comfort to a good man to speak for God’s honor and other people’s benefit.

3. He was determined to speak honestly, with complete freedom, and to say what he thought was true, not what would please others (Job 32:21, Job 32:22). He would not show favoritism, as dishonest judges do when they try to gain something for themselves instead of doing justice. He was resolved not to flatter anyone. He would not speak falsely out of kindness to Job, even though Job was poor and suffering, by making his case seem better than Elihu believed it was. Those who are afflicted must not be flattered, but dealt with honestly. When someone is in trouble, it is foolish kindness to let sin continue too (Leviticus 19:17), because that only adds to the burden. We must not give unfair support to a poor man in his cause, just as we must not unfairly oppose him (Exodus 23:3). We should not let a sad face move us to twist justice, because that is showing partiality.

Nor would Elihu flatter Job’s friends just because they were respected and well-off. He would not repeat their views unless he was convinced they were right, and he would not praise them merely because of their standing. Even though he was young and rising in influence, he would not bend the truth to win favor from important men. His resolve was good: “I do not know how to give flattering titles to men.” He had not trained himself to use smooth, empty praise. And he had a good reason for that resolve, because if he did, his Maker would soon take him away. It is wise to keep ourselves in check by fearing God’s judgment. The One who made us can take us away in his anger if we do not behave rightly. God hates pretence and flattery. He will soon silence lying lips and cut off flattering ones (Psalm 12:3). The more we keep God’s majesty before us as our Maker, and the more we fear his wrath and justice, the less likely we are to sin by fearing people or flattering them.