Job 32:15 - Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends

Audio Bible

Context

Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends
…14But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. 15Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them. 16Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?…

Cross References

Proverbs 18:13
He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.James 3:1-2
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. / We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.Ecclesiastes 3:7
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Job 6:24,25
Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred…

Job 29:22
After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.

Matthew 7:23
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

left off speaking.

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Job 32

Job’s friends are dismayed
Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, have been attempting to provide counsel and explanation for Job's suffering. Their dismay reflects their inability to reconcile Job's situation with their understanding of divine justice. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, suffering was often seen as a direct result of personal sin, a belief that Job's friends held firmly. Their dismay indicates a crisis in their theological framework, as they cannot comprehend why Job, a righteous man, suffers without apparent cause. This moment foreshadows the limitations of human wisdom in understanding God's ways, a theme that is further explored in the dialogues that follow.

with no more to say
The silence of Job's friends signifies the exhaustion of their arguments. Throughout the dialogues, they have reiterated the belief that suffering is a punishment for sin, yet Job's steadfastness in maintaining his innocence leaves them without further arguments. This silence can be seen as a turning point in the narrative, highlighting the inadequacy of human reasoning when faced with divine mysteries. It also sets the stage for Elihu's speeches and ultimately God's response, which will provide a broader perspective on suffering and divine justice.

words have escaped them
The phrase suggests a complete loss of speech, indicating that Job's friends have reached the limits of their understanding and rhetoric. In the broader biblical context, this moment can be compared to other instances where human wisdom fails, such as in Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher acknowledges the vanity of human endeavors without divine insight. Theologically, this can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament revelation of Christ, who embodies the ultimate wisdom of God, surpassing human understanding. The silence of Job's friends underscores the need for divine revelation to truly comprehend the complexities of life and suffering.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elihu
A young man who speaks after Job's three friends have finished their discourse. He is introduced in Job 32 and is characterized by his youthful zeal and desire to speak truthfully about God.

2. Job's Three Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who have been attempting to explain Job's suffering through their understanding of divine justice, but have failed to provide satisfactory answers.

3. Job
The central figure of the book, a man of great faith and integrity who is undergoing severe trials and questioning the reasons for his suffering.

4. The Setting
The dialogue takes place in the land of Uz, where Job and his friends are engaged in a lengthy discussion about the nature of suffering and divine justice.

5. The Event
The moment when Job's friends are rendered speechless, unable to provide further arguments or explanations for Job's suffering, setting the stage for Elihu's speech.

Teaching Points

The Limitations of Human Wisdom
Human understanding is limited, and there are times when silence is more appropriate than speaking without knowledge.

The Importance of Listening
Listening is a crucial component of wisdom. Job's friends could have benefited from listening more and speaking less.

The Role of Youth in Wisdom
Elihu's entrance reminds us that wisdom is not confined to age. Young people can offer valuable insights when they speak with humility and reverence for God.

The Power of Words
Words have the power to heal or harm. We must be mindful of our speech, especially when addressing complex issues like suffering.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty
When human explanations fail, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate wisdom.

(15) They were amazed.--The force is given better by substituting the present tense, "They are amazed, they answer no more: they have not a word to say."

Verse 15.- They were amazed, they answered no more. A change from the second to the third person, possibly as seeming less disrespectful. Or perhaps Elihu turns from the three friends at this point, as Professor Lee supposes, and addrParallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Job’s friends are dismayed
חַ֭תּוּ (ḥat·tū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear

and have no
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

more
ע֑וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

to say;
עָ֣נוּ (‘ā·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

words
מִלִּֽים׃ (mil·lîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4405: A word, a discourse, a topic

have escaped
הֶעְתִּ֖יקוּ (he‘·tî·qū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6275: To remove, to grow old, to transcribe

them.
מֵהֶ֣ם (mê·hem)
Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

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Job 32:15 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Job 32:15 They are amazed (Jb)