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Job
Chapter 32
Verse 32

Job 32:7

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.

American Standard Version (1901)

I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.

Bible in Basic English

I said to myself, It is right for the old to say what is in their minds, and for those who are far on in years to give out wisdom.

Free Bible Version

I told myself, ‘Those who are older should speak—those who are elderly should teach wisdom.’

King James (Authorized) Version

I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

Translation for Translators

I thought, ‘Let those [PRS] who are much older speak, because older people should be able to say things that are wise.’

Unlocked Literal Bible

I said, “Length of days should speak; a multitude of years should teach wisdom.

Noah Webster Bible

I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

World English Bible

I said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’

Young's Literal Translation

I said: Days do speak, And multitude of years teach wisdom.

Context

Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends

⁶So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. ⁷I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom. ⁸But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

Sermons

(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 3. the Message of Elihu

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Roy Hession

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Summary

In Job 32:7, Elihu, a young man who had been listening to the conversation between Job and his friends, speaks up for the first time. Despite his youth, he expresses wisdom beyond his years, acknowledging that age does not always equate to wisdom. Elihu's humility and respect for his elders serve as a valuable lesson in the importance of listening and learning from others, regardless of their age or status. This verse sets the stage for Elihu's insightful contributions to the discussion on suffering and God's justice in the book of Job.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Days should speak - That is, men are to be reputed wise and experienced in proportion to the time they have lived. The Easterns were remarkable for treasuring up wise sayings: indeed, the principal part of their boasted wisdom consisted in proverbs and maxims on different subjects.

Job 32:7

Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends

⁶So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. ⁷I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom. ⁸But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.

American Standard Version (1901)

I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.

Bible in Basic English

I said to myself, It is right for the old to say what is in their minds, and for those who are far on in years to give out wisdom.

Free Bible Version

I told myself, ‘Those who are older should speak—those who are elderly should teach wisdom.’

King James (Authorized) Version

I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

Translation for Translators

I thought, ‘Let those [PRS] who are much older speak, because older people should be able to say things that are wise.’

Unlocked Literal Bible

I said, “Length of days should speak; a multitude of years should teach wisdom.

Noah Webster Bible

I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

World English Bible

I said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’

Young's Literal Translation

I said: Days do speak, And multitude of years teach wisdom.

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Days should speak - That is, men are to be reputed wise and experienced in proportion to the time they have lived. The Easterns were remarkable for treasuring up wise sayings: indeed, the principal part of their boasted wisdom consisted in proverbs and maxims on different subjects.