1 So these three men ceased to answere Iob, because he was righteous in his owne eyes.
2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu, the sonne of Barachel the Buzite, of the kinred of Ram: against Iob was his wrath kindled, because he iustified himselfe rather then God.
3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled: because they had found no answere, and yet had condemned Iob.
4 Now Elihu had waited till Iob had spoken: because they were elder then he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answere in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
6 And Elihu the sonne of Barachel the Buzite answered and sayd: I am yong, and yee are very old, wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
7 I said, Dayes should speake, and multitude of yeeres should teach wisedome.
8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almightie giueth them vnderstanding.
9 Great men are not alwayes wise: neither doe the aged vnderstand iudgement.
10 Therfore I sayd, Hearken to me: I also will shew mine opinion.
11 Behold, I waited for your words: I gaue eare to your reasons, whilest you searched out what to say.
12 Yea, I attended vnto you: and beholde, there was none of you that conuinced Iob, or that answered his words:
13 Lest ye should say, We haue found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answere him with your speeches.
15 They were amased, they answered no more, they left off speaking.
16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still and answered no more.)
17 I sayd, I will answere also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
19 Behold, my belly is as wine, which hath no vent, it is ready to burst like new bottles.
20 I will speake, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lippes, and answere.
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any mans person: neither let me giue flattering titles vnto man.
22 For I know not to giue flattering titles: in so doing my maker would soone take me away.
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.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.