Job 32:21

KJV

Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let me not, I pray you, accept {H5375} any man's {H376} person {H6440}, neither let me give flattering titles {H3655} unto man {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will show no favor to anyone, and I will flatter no one;

Berean Standard Bible

I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man.

American Standard Version

Let me not, I pray you, respect any man’s person; Neither will I give flattering titles unto any man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 32:21 marks the decisive entrance of Elihu, the youngest of Job's companions, into the profound theological debate. After patiently observing the prolonged and ultimately unproductive arguments between Job and his three friends, Elihu feels compelled by divine inspiration to speak. This pivotal verse serves as his foundational declaration of intent, asserting his unwavering commitment to impartiality and integrity in his upcoming discourse, vowing to speak unvarnished truth unswayed by human status, suffering, or the desire to flatter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Elihu's sudden appearance and subsequent monologue (chapters 32-37) dramatically shift the narrative landscape of the Book of Job. For 29 chapters, Job and his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) have engaged in a cyclical and increasingly acrimonious debate, culminating in a theological stalemate. Job has maintained his innocence, while his friends have insisted on his guilt as the cause of his suffering. Elihu, described as younger and filled with indignation at both Job's self-righteousness and his friends' inability to answer him, steps forward. His opening declaration in [Job 32:21-22](/job/32-21-22 "Job 32:21-22 - Elihu's Declaration of Impartiality") sets the stage for a speech intended to transcend the human limitations and biases that have plagued the previous arguments, positioning himself as a messenger of God's truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, a patriarchal society where age and social status typically commanded immense respect. Elihu's decision to speak after his elders, and his bold critique of their arguments, would have been highly unusual and potentially disrespectful, underscoring the depth of his conviction that divine wisdom compelled him. The concepts of "accepting a person" (showing partiality) and "flattering titles" were well-understood societal practices, particularly in judicial or hierarchical settings. Impartiality was a highly valued, though often elusive, quality in judgment, frequently emphasized in ancient law codes and wisdom literature as a divine attribute. Flattery, conversely, was a common tool for manipulation and social climbing, making Elihu’s rejection of it a strong statement of his commitment to uncorrupted communication.
* **Key Themes:** Job 32:21 introduces several crucial themes that Elihu will develop. Foremost is the theme of **impartiality and righteous judgment**, contrasting human bias with divine truth. Elihu vows to speak without favoritism, reflecting a core biblical principle that God Himself "shows no partiality" (as seen in [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality")). Another key theme is **integrity of speech**, emphasizing honest and unvarnished communication over manipulative flattery. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the power and responsibility of words (e.g., [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue")). Elihu's bold stance also highlights the theme of **divine wisdom versus human wisdom**, suggesting that true insight comes not from age or experience alone, but from the Spirit of God (as he explicitly states in [Job 32:8](/job/32-8 "Job 32:8 - The Spirit of God Gives Understanding")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Person (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** While literally meaning "face," in the idiom "to accept the face" (נָשָׂא פָנִים, _nasa' panim_), it signifies showing partiality or favoritism. This idiom is frequently used in legal or judicial contexts to denote judging based on outward appearance, social status, wealth, or personal connections rather than on the merits of the case or the truth of the matter. Elihu's vow is a commitment to unbiased judgment and speech.
* **Flattering titles (Hebrew, _kânâh'_):** This term refers to honorifics, exaggerated compliments, or insincere praise given to curry favor, manipulate, or avoid offense. It speaks to a form of communication that is not genuine, but rather serves a self-serving purpose or seeks to gloss over uncomfortable truths. Elihu's rejection of "flattering titles" underscores his resolve to speak with unvarnished honesty, regardless of the social standing or personal feelings of his audience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person":** Elihu begins with a solemn, almost prayer-like, declaration of his ethical commitment. He vows that he will not be swayed by anyone's status, wealth, suffering, or personal influence. This means he will not show favoritism to Job because of his immense suffering, nor will he defer to Job's friends simply because they are older. His impending speech will be based on an objective assessment of truth, not on human biases or social hierarchies.
* **"neither let me give flattering titles unto man":** Complementing his vow against partiality, Elihu here commits to speaking with absolute sincerity and integrity. He will not use empty compliments, exaggerated honorifics, or manipulative language to gain approval, soften his message, or avoid confrontation. His words will be direct, honest, and driven by conviction, rather than by a desire to please or to avoid giving offense. This sets a standard for communication rooted in truth, not human approval.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's opening statement in Job 32:21 is a powerful **Declaration** of his rhetorical and ethical stance. It functions as a **Proleptic** statement, anticipating and preempting any accusations of bias or insincerity that might arise from his youth or his decision to speak after his elders. The verse employs a form of **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the two clauses, though distinct, reinforce a single overarching concept of integrity in communication. "Accepting any man's person" speaks to avoiding negative bias or favoritism, while "giving flattering titles" speaks to avoiding positive manipulation or insincere praise. Together, they form a comprehensive commitment to unadulterated truth-telling. Furthermore, Elihu is immediately establishing his **Ethos**, or credibility, by presenting himself as a speaker driven by divine inspiration and a pure motive, thereby inviting his audience to listen to his words with trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's resolute declaration in Job 32:21 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on God's own perfect impartiality and the call for His people to reflect this attribute in their judgments and interactions. Just as God "shows no partiality and accepts no bribes," so too are His servants called to administer justice and speak truth without bias. This principle is foundational to righteous living and is repeatedly enjoined throughout Scripture, highlighting that true wisdom and justice are rooted in an unwavering commitment to truth, unswayed by human status or the desire for approval. Elihu's stance anticipates the divine standard of judgment that will later be fully revealed.

* [Deuteronomy 1:17](/deuteronomy/1-17 "Deuteronomy 1:17 - Judges Must Not Show Partiality")
* [Proverbs 28:21](/proverbs/28-21 "Proverbs 28:21 - It Is Not Good to Show Partiality")
* [James 2:1](/james/2-1 "James 2:1 - Do Not Show Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elihu's bold declaration in Job 32:21 offers a profound challenge for believers today, calling us to cultivate integrity in our communication and judgment in a world often swayed by appearances, status, and the pursuit of popularity. In our personal relationships, professional dealings, and engagement with broader societal issues, we are constantly tempted to show favoritism, to speak what is expedient rather than what is true, or to use flattery to gain an advantage. This verse reminds us that true wisdom and righteousness demand an unbiased approach, treating all individuals with dignity and fairness, regardless of their background, wealth, or influence. It compels us to examine our motives for speaking, asking whether our words are driven by a genuine desire for truth and the well-being of others, or by a need for approval, a fear of conflict, or a desire for personal gain. Embracing Elihu's commitment means speaking with courage and sincerity, even when the truth is uncomfortable or unpopular, trusting that God honors integrity above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to show partiality or favoritism, either consciously or unconsciously?**
* **How can I ensure my words are always sincere and driven by truth, rather than a desire for approval, to avoid conflict, or to manipulate a situation?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of impartiality in my judgments and interactions, reflecting God's character?**

### FAQ
**Why is Elihu's declaration of impartiality so important at this point in the book of Job?**

Answer: Elihu's declaration is crucial because it signals a fundamental shift in the nature of the debate. The preceding arguments between Job and his three friends had become circular and unproductive, marked by rigid theological positions and personal accusations. Job felt misunderstood and wrongly condemned, while his friends were unable to move beyond their traditional retribution theology. Elihu's vow not to "accept any man's person" or "give flattering titles" promises a fresh, unbiased, and divinely-inspired perspective. He positions himself as someone who will speak God's truth, unswayed by Job's suffering or the friends' age and status, thereby offering the potential for genuine insight where human wisdom had failed (as he states in [Job 32:8-9](/job/32-8-9 "Job 32:8-9 - Elihu's Claim of Divine Inspiration")).

**Does the Bible condemn all forms of praise or compliments?**

Answer: No, the Bible does not condemn all forms of praise or compliments. What Elihu condemns is *flattery* – insincere, manipulative, or excessive praise given for selfish motives, to curry favor, or to avoid speaking difficult truths. Genuine praise, encouragement, and honor given out of love, truth, and respect are affirmed throughout Scripture. For example, [Proverbs 27:2](/proverbs/27-2 "Proverbs 27:2 - Let Another Praise You") speaks of the value of honest praise, and believers are encouraged to "outdo one another in showing honor" ([Romans 12:10](/romans/12-10 "Romans 12:10 - Outdo One Another in Showing Honor")). The distinction lies in the motive and sincerity: flattery compromises integrity, while genuine affirmation builds up and reflects truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elihu's aspiration to speak without partiality or flattery finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Our Lord consistently demonstrated absolute impartiality, showing no favoritism based on social status, wealth, or reputation. He spoke truth to power, challenging the religious elites without fear or flattery, and ministered to the marginalized and outcast with equal love and directness. The Pharisees themselves, attempting to trap Him, acknowledged His unwavering commitment to truth, stating, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances" ([Matthew 22:16](/matthew/22-16 "Matthew 22:16 - Jesus' Impartiality")). Jesus did not seek human praise or approval ([John 5:41](/john/5-41 "John 5:41 - Jesus Does Not Accept Human Praise")), but spoke only what He heard from the Father, making His judgments perfectly righteous ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Judges Righteously")). As the very embodiment of Truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), Christ perfectly fulfilled Elihu's ideal, setting the supreme example for believers to emulate in their speech and conduct, reflecting the character of God who truly "shows no partiality" ([Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 19:15

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

Matthew 22:16

And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any [man]: for thou regardest not the person of men.

Job 13:8

Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?

Job 34:19

[How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

Proverbs 24:23

¶ These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

Acts 24:2

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

Acts 24:3

We accept [it] always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.