Job 32

Chapter Summary

In Job 32, Elihu begins his speech by explaining why he has been silent until now. He claims that he has been waiting for the older men to finish speaking, but since they have failed to provide a satisfactory answer, he feels it is his turn to speak. Elihu argues that age is not the only factor that determines wisdom, and that he has been inspired by the Spirit of God to share his thoughts. He addresses Job directly, warning him not to justify himself at the expense of God's justice. Elihu also critiques Job's friends, arguing that they have failed to provide a convincing argument. The chapter sets the stage for Elihu's lengthy speech, which will continue in the following chapters.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter marks a turning point in the book of Job, as Elihu's speech provides a fresh perspective on Job's situation. The chapter follows the speeches of Job's friends, who have failed to provide a satisfactory answer to Job's questions. Elihu's speech will continue in the following chapters, and will provide a more nuanced understanding of God's character and justice. The book of Job is part of the larger biblical narrative, which explores the nature of God's justice and wisdom in the face of human suffering.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to consider the importance of humility and openness to God's wisdom. Elihu's confidence in his own inspiration should not be seen as arrogance, but rather as a willingness to trust in God's guidance. As we face our own challenges and questions, we should be open to God's wisdom and guidance, and trust that He will provide us with the words to speak.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about a man named Elihu who wants to help his friend Job understand why he is suffering. Elihu says that he has been inspired by God to speak, and that he wants to share his thoughts with Job. He argues that God is just and wise, and that Job should trust in Him. In Job 32:18, Elihu says that he is full of words and that the Spirit of God compels him to speak.

Voices from the Church

“The Spirit of God is the great Teacher, and He teaches us through His Word and through the voices of His servants. Let us be open to His teaching, and trust that He will guide us into all truth.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The wisdom of God is not limited to the old or the wise, but is available to all who seek it. Let us humbly seek God's wisdom, and trust that He will provide us with the guidance we need.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Elihu's Speech (Job 32:1-5) — Elihu explains why he has been silent until now, and claims that he has been inspired by the Spirit of God to speak.
2. Elihu's Critique of Job's Friends (Job 32:6-14) — Elihu argues that Job's friends have failed to provide a convincing argument, and that they have not done justice to God's character.
3. Elihu's Claim to Inspiration (Job 32:15-22) — Elihu claims that he is inspired by the Spirit of God, and that he has been filled with words to speak.
4. Elihu's Warning to Job (Job 32:1-5) — Elihu warns Job not to justify himself at the expense of God's justice, and argues that Job should trust in God's wisdom.
5. Conclusion (Job 32:1-5) — Elihu concludes his introduction by emphasizing his confidence in his own inspiration, and his desire to provide a fresh perspective on Job's situation.

Core Doctrines

Inspiration

This chapter teaches that God can inspire anyone to speak wisely, regardless of age or experience. Elihu's claim to inspiration is a key aspect of his speech, and highlights the importance of trusting in God's guidance.

Justice

The chapter emphasizes the importance of upholding God's justice, and argues that Job's friends have failed to do so in their arguments.

Wisdom

Elihu argues that wisdom is not solely the domain of the old, but that God can inspire anyone to speak wisely. This doctrine is central to the chapter, and highlights the importance of trusting in God's wisdom.

Humility

The chapter encourages humility and openness to God's wisdom, as Elihu recognizes the limitations of human understanding and trusts in God's guidance.

Lessons from Job 32

1. The Importance of Humility — This chapter teaches us the importance of humility and openness to God's wisdom, as Elihu recognizes the limitations of human understanding and trusts in God's guidance.
2. The Nature of Inspiration — Elihu's claim to inspiration highlights the importance of trusting in God's guidance, and recognizing that God can speak through anyone, regardless of age or experience.
3. The Theme of Justice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of upholding God's justice, and argues that Job's friends have failed to do so in their arguments.
4. The Importance of Trusting in God's Wisdom — Elihu's speech encourages us to trust in God's wisdom, even in the face of uncertainty or suffering, and to recognize that God's ways are not always our ways.
5. The Balance between Justice and Mercy — The chapter highlights the importance of balancing our desire for justice with our need for humility and openness to God's wisdom, and recognizing that God's justice is always tempered with mercy and compassion.

Themes from Job 32

1. The Theme of Justice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of upholding God's justice, and argues that Job's friends have failed to do so in their arguments.
2. The Nature of Wisdom — Elihu argues that wisdom is not solely the domain of the old, but that God can inspire anyone to speak wisely.
3. The Importance of Humility — The chapter teaches us the importance of humility and openness to God's wisdom, as Elihu recognizes the limitations of human understanding and trusts in God's guidance.
4. The Theme of Suffering — The chapter is part of the larger narrative of Job's suffering, and encourages us to trust in God's wisdom and justice, even in the face of uncertainty or suffering.
5. The Balance between Justice and Mercy — The chapter highlights the importance of balancing our desire for justice with our need for humility and openness to God's wisdom, and recognizing that God's justice is always tempered with mercy and compassion.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from Elihu's confidence in his own inspiration, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
2. How does Elihu's critique of Job's friends relate to the broader theme of God's justice, and what can we learn from this?
3. What does Elihu's speech teach us about the nature of wisdom, and how can we cultivate wisdom in our own lives?
4. How can we balance our desire for justice with our need for humility and openness to God's wisdom?
5. What are some ways in which we can trust in God's guidance and wisdom, even in the face of uncertainty or suffering?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Job 32

	Sermon	Description
	Witness of the Spirit - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead	Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of the witness of the Spirit in confirming one's relationship with God, drawing from John 3, 4, and 5 to illustrate how the Spirit assure
	(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 3. the Message of Elihu by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and its various chapters. He highlights how Job's friends were amazed and stopped speaking, allowing Job to finally have a ch
	Through the Bible - Job - Part 2 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, Eliphaz begins by sharing a secret truth that was whispered to him in a vision. He emphasizes the fear and awe he experienced in the presence of God. Eliphaz critic
	(Evidence of Eternal Life - Part 7) Witness of the Spirit by Paris Reidhead	This sermon delves into the importance of the witness of the Spirit in confirming one's relationship with God. It emphasizes the need for genuine conversion experiences and the rol
	(Through the Bible) Job 31-37 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about an interesting individual who was obsessed with timing everything. It is later revealed that this person was a bank robber and had
	Job, 1975 Part 2 by Norman Grubb	In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of God's creation, focusing on animals such as hawks, peacocks, and unicorns. The preacher emphasizes God's power and wisdom
	Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson	The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends.
	Now Elihu Had Waited Till Job Had Spoken by John Calvin	John Calvin preaches on the importance of modesty and honoring elders, emphasizing that God notices and blesses those who remain humble and honest. He compares the growth of fruit
	There Is a Spirit in Man, and the Breath of The by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes that true wisdom and understanding come not from age or intellect, but from the Spirit of God that breathes life into our souls. He illustrates this through E
	Let God Be Justified by Theodore Epp	Theodore Epp emphasizes the necessity of self-denial and the willingness to relinquish our reputations and past victories to truly experience God's best for us. He highlights Elihu

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Job 32

In this chapter, we see the introduction of Elihu, a young man who has been listening to the conversation between Job and his friends. Elihu claims to be inspired by the Spirit of God, and feels compelled to share his thoughts with Job. He argues that Job's friends have failed to provide a convincing argument, and that they have not done justice to God's character. Elihu's speech is characterized by his confidence in his own inspiration, and his desire to provide a fresh perspective on Job's situation. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's guidance, and recognizing that God can speak through anyone, regardless of age or experience. We are also encouraged to consider the importance of humility and openness to God's wisdom, and to trust that He will provide us with the words to speak. (Job 32:1-22) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?