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Commentary on Job 32 verses 15–22
Three things here apologize for Elihu's interposing as he does in this controversy which had already been canvassed by such acute and learned disputants: -
1.That the stage was clear, and he did not break in upon any of the managers on either side: They were amazed (Job 32:15); they stood still, and answered no more, Job 32:16. They not only left off speaking themselves, but they stood still, to hear if any of the company would speak their minds, so that (as we say) he had room and fair play given him. They seemed not fully satisfied themselves with what they had said, else they would have adjourned the court, and not have stood still, expecting what might further be offered. And therefore I said (Job 32:17), "I will answer also my part. I cannot pretend to give a definitive sentence; no, the judgment is the Lord's, and by him it must be determined who is in the right and who is in the wrong; but, since you have each of you shown your opinion, I also will show mine, and let it take its fate with the rest." When what is offered, even by the meanest, is offered thus modestly, it is a pity but it should be fairly heard and considered. I see no inconvenience in supposing that Elihu here discovers himself to be the penman of this book, and that he here writes as an historian, relating the matter of fact, that, after he had bespoken their attention in the foregoing verses, they were amazed, they left off whispering among themselves, did not gainsay the liberty of speech he desired, but stood still to hear what he would say, being much surprised at the admirable mixture of boldness and modesty that appeared in his preface.
2.That he was uneasy, and even in pain, to be delivered of his thoughts upon this matter. They must give him leave to speak, for he cannot forbear; while he is musing the fire burns (Psa 39:3), shut up in his bones, as the prophet speaks, Jer 20:9. Never did nurse, when her breasts were gorged, so long to have them drawn as Elihu did to deliver his mind concerning Job's case, Job 32:18-20. If any of the disputants had hit that which he thought was the right joint, he would contentedly have been silent; but, when he thought they all missed it, he was eager to be trying his hand at it. He pleads, (1.) That he had a great deal to say: "I am full of matter, having carefully attended to all that has hitherto been said, and made my own reflections upon it." When aged men are drawn dry, and have spent their stock, in discoursing of the divine Providence, God can raise up others, even young men, and fill them with matter for the edifying of his church; for it is a subject that can never be exhausted, though those that speak upon it may. (2.) That he was under a necessity of saying it: "The spirit within me not only instructs me what to say, but puts me on to say it; so that if I have not vent (such a ferment are my thoughts in) I shall burst like bottles of new wine when it is working," Job 32:19. See what a great grief it is to a good minister to be silenced and thrust into a corner; he is full of matter, full of Christ, full of heaven, and would speak of these things for the good of others, but he may not. (3.) That it would be an ease and satisfaction to himself to deliver his mind (Job 32:20): I will speak, that I may be refreshed, not only that I may be eased of the pain of stifling my thoughts, but that I may have the pleasure of endeavouring, according to my place and capacity, to do good. It is a great refreshment to a good man to have liberty to speak for the glory of God and the edification of others.
3.That he was resolved to speak, with all possible freedom and sincerity, what he thought was true, not what he thought would please (Job 32:21, Job 32:22): "Let me not accept any man's person, as partial judges do, that aim to enrich themselves, not to do justice. I am resolved to flatter no man." He would not speak otherwise than he thought, either, (1.) In compassion to Job, because he was poor and in affliction, would not make his case better than he really took it to be, for fear of increasing his grief; "but, let him bear it as he can, he shall be told the truth." Those that are in affliction must not be flattered, but dealt faithfully with. When trouble is upon any it is foolish pity to suffer sin upon them too (Lev 19:17), for that is the worst addition that can be to their trouble. Thou shalt not countenance, any more than discountenance, a poor man in his cause (Exo 23:3), nor regard a sad look any more than a big look, so as, for the sake of it, to pervert justice, for that is accepting persons. Or, (2.) In compliment to Job's friends, because they were in prosperity and reputation. Let them not expect that he should say as they said, any further than he was convinced that they say right, nor applaud their dictates for the sake of their dignities. No, though Elihu is a young man, and upon his preferment, he will not dissemble truth to court the favour of great men. It is a good resolution he has taken up - "I know not to give flattering titles to men; I never used myself to flattering language;" and it is a good reason he gives for that resolution - in so doing my Maker would soon take my away. It is good to keep ourselves in awe with a holy fear of God's judgments. He that made us will take us away in his wrath is we do not conduct ourselves as we should. He hates all dissimulation and flattery, and will soon put lying lips to silence and cut off flattering lips, Psa 12:3. The more closely we eye the majesty of God as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less danger shall we be in of a sinful fearing or flattering of men.
“I must speak so that I may find relief,” like a woman in labor, who, after bringing forth her offspring, is relieved from the pain of giving birth. And again, “my belly is in pain and does not open,” that is, I was in pain and could not find any respite, because I strongly desired to speak, but I abstained from it. Now I will break my voice and will make a revelation.
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SUMMARY
Elihu's resolute declaration of integrity and impartiality as he prepares to address Job and his friends. Having observed the prolonged and unproductive discourse, Elihu asserts his inability and unwillingness to employ insincere praise or flattery. His motivation is rooted not in human fear or a desire for approval, but in a profound reverence for God, his "maker," believing that any deviation into partiality or deceitful speech would provoke swift and decisive divine judgment, potentially leading to his removal. This verse serves as a foundational statement of his commitment to speaking unvarnished truth, uninfluenced by human manipulation, and driven solely by his accountability to the Almighty.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Elihu's statement in Job 32:22 is rich in rhetorical strategy. The primary device is Assertion, as Elihu boldly declares his moral and theological stance, immediately establishing his character as uncompromisingly truthful. This assertion serves as a powerful form of Ethos, building credibility for his upcoming speeches by presenting himself as a speaker motivated by divine reverence rather than human approval. There is also a strong element of Contrast, as Elihu implicitly distinguishes his approach from that of Job's three friends, whom he has just criticized for their inability to answer Job effectively and their potential for partiality. The phrase "would soon take me away" can be seen as a form of Hyperbole, an exaggeration used to emphasize the extreme gravity of God's potential judgment and Elihu's profound fear of it, rather than a literal prediction of immediate death. This hyperbole serves to underscore the absolute nature of his commitment to truth. Furthermore, Elihu's entire introductory monologue, including this verse, functions as a Prolepsis or Foreshadowing, setting the stage for his subsequent arguments, which he presents as divinely inspired and therefore superior to the human wisdom previously offered.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's profound statement in Job 32:22 resonates deeply with core biblical themes of truth, integrity, and the fear of God. His refusal to flatter underscores the divine demand for sincerity in communication, particularly when addressing matters of faith and divine character. The Bible consistently condemns deceit, partiality, and insincere speech, viewing them as an affront to God's own character, which is truth. Elihu's motivation—that his "maker would soon take me away"—highlights the serious consequences of compromising truth for human favor, reminding us that ultimate accountability is to God, not to people. This perspective liberates one to speak truthfully, even when it is unpopular or challenging, prioritizing divine approval above all else. It also emphasizes God's active involvement in upholding truth and judging those who pervert it.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elihu's bold declaration in Job 32:22 offers a powerful challenge for contemporary believers. In a world often driven by social approval, personal gain, and the desire to avoid conflict, the temptation to flatter, to speak insincerely, or to compromise truth for the sake of popularity is ever-present. Elihu reminds us that our words carry immense weight and that our ultimate accountability is not to human opinion but to our "maker." This calls us to cultivate a profound reverence for God that transcends all other fears and desires. When we truly fear God, we are freed from the bondage of fearing man, allowing us to speak with integrity, courage, and genuine love, even when the truth is difficult. Our communication, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or public discourse, should be marked by sincerity and a commitment to truth, reflecting the character of the God who is truth. This verse encourages us to examine our motivations for speaking and to ask whether our words are designed to honor God and build up others in truth, or merely to manipulate, please, or protect ourselves.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Elihu truly impartial, or is he also flawed in his approach?
Answer: While Elihu explicitly states his intention to be impartial and not to flatter in Job 32:22, his subsequent speeches are not without their own strong opinions and even a degree of self-assertion. Scholars debate Elihu's role and the theological accuracy of his arguments. Some see him as a necessary bridge, preparing Job for God's appearance by offering a more nuanced perspective on suffering and divine justice than the friends. Others view him as another human voice, albeit a passionate one, who still doesn't fully grasp the mystery of Job's suffering. Regardless, his stated commitment to integrity in this verse is a powerful ideal, even if his execution isn't perfect. His words are presented as more aligned with divine truth than those of the friends, yet still fall short of the ultimate revelation from God Himself in Job 38.
What is the biblical view of flattery in general?
Answer: The Bible consistently condemns flattery as a form of deceit, manipulation, and a sign of insincerity. It is often associated with those who seek personal gain, undermine truth, or betray trust. Proverbs frequently warns against the "flattering mouth" (e.g., Proverbs 26:28). The Psalms lament those whose "mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity" (Psalm 10:7). In the New Testament, apostles warn against those who use "flattering speech" to deceive the naive (Romans 16:18) or for selfish motives (1 Thessalonians 2:5). True biblical love and communication are characterized by speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), not by insincere praise or manipulation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elihu's profound commitment to speaking truth and his refusal to flatter, motivated by a deep reverence for his "maker," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. While Elihu, a human, could only aspire to such integrity, Jesus perfectly embodied it. He never flattered, never sought human approval, and always spoke the unvarnished truth, even when it led to His rejection and crucifixion. The Lord Jesus Christ declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life," and His entire ministry was a testament to this claim. He consistently exposed hypocrisy (e.g., Matthew 23), challenged false teachings, and spoke with unparalleled authority, knowing that His words were from the Father (John 12:49-50). Unlike Elihu's fear of being "taken away" by his maker, Jesus willingly laid down His life, perfectly fulfilling the will of His Father (John 10:18). His perfect integrity and absolute obedience to God, even unto death on the cross, demonstrate the ultimate "fear of the Lord" and provide the foundation for our own ability to live truthfully. Through His Spirit, believers are empowered to put away falsehood and speak truth with their neighbor, reflecting the character of the One who is Truth itself.