Job 32:22

KJV

For I know not to give flattering titles; [in so doing] my maker would soon take me away.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I know {H3045} not to give flattering titles {H3655}; in so doing my maker {H6213} would soon {H4592} take me away {H5375}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I don't know how to flatter; if I did, my maker would soon put an end to me.

Berean Standard Bible

For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.

American Standard Version

For I know not to give flattering titles; Elsewould my Maker soon take me away.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Job 32:22 marks the dramatic entrance of Elihu, a younger man who has patiently (or impatiently) waited through the extensive and increasingly circular debates between Job and his three elder friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar). Elihu's speeches, spanning [Job 32-37](/job/32-37 "Job 32-37 - Elihu's Discourses"), form a distinct theological interlude, bridging the human arguments and God's eventual appearance in the whirlwind. This specific verse is a powerful opening statement in his first discourse, where he justifies his decision to speak, expressing his frustration with Job's self-justification and the friends' inability to provide a satisfactory answer to Job's suffering. Elihu positions himself as a divinely inspired messenger, claiming a unique insight (as hinted in [Job 32:8](/job/32-8 "Job 32:8 - The Spirit in Man Gives Understanding")) that the older, more experienced men lacked. His explicit refusal to flatter in this verse is a rhetorical strategy to establish his credibility and impartiality, setting a tone of uncompromising truthfulness for his subsequent arguments, which aim to vindicate God's justice and sovereignty and prepare Job for a proper encounter with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, rhetoric and public discourse were highly esteemed, and the ability to speak persuasively was a significant mark of wisdom and influence. Flattery, or the giving of "flattering titles," was a common practice in various social strata, from royal courts to everyday interactions, often employed to curry favor, avoid offense, or manipulate outcomes. However, within the wisdom traditions, particularly those emphasizing divine justice and truth, insincere speech was often condemned as a form of deceit. The Book of Job is set in a patriarchal, likely pre-Israelite, context where respect for elders was paramount. Elihu's decision to speak after his elders, and his explicit rejection of flattery, would have been culturally audacious, underscoring his conviction that his message was divinely sanctioned and therefore transcended social conventions. His fear of God's immediate judgment for flattery reflects a deep-seated belief in divine accountability for words, a concept prevalent in many ancient cultures that viewed speech as having potent, even sacred, power.
* **Key Themes:** Elihu's declaration in [Job 32:22](/job/32-22 "Job 32:22 - Elihu's Refusal to Flatter") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Integrity in Speech**, emphasizing that truthfulness and sincerity are paramount, especially when discussing divine matters. Elihu implicitly contrasts his approach with what he perceives as the flawed arguments of Job and his friends, which he believes were influenced by human partiality or a lack of true insight. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Fear of God** as the ultimate motivator for righteous conduct and speech. Elihu's refusal to flatter stems not from a desire to appear virtuous to men, but from a profound reverence for his "maker" and an acute awareness of divine judgment, echoing the foundational wisdom principle that the [fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). Thirdly, it touches upon the theme of **Divine Accountability**, asserting that God detests deceit and partiality, and will swiftly judge those who engage in it. This reinforces the idea that God is a righteous judge who demands truth in the inward parts, a concept found throughout the wisdom literature and prophetic books (e.g., [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord")). Finally, Elihu's stance introduces the theme of **Human Wisdom vs. Divine Revelation**, as he implicitly claims his words are not merely human opinion but are inspired by the Spirit, thus setting his discourse apart from the previous human-centric arguments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flattering titles (Hebrew, _kânâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to address by an additional name," or "to eulogize." In this context, it carries the connotation of giving names or descriptions that are excessive, insincere, or designed to curry favor rather than reflect truth. Elihu asserts that he will not use language that is manipulative, partial, or designed to please human ears at the expense of divine truth. His refusal is a commitment to unvarnished, authentic speech.
* **My maker (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to do or make" in the broadest sense. By referring to God as "my maker," Elihu emphasizes his personal relationship of dependence and accountability to the Almighty. This designation underscores God's sovereignty, His authority over all creation, and His inherent right to judge. It elevates the stakes of Elihu's speech, indicating that his words are not merely human opinions but are spoken under the direct cognizance and authority of the One who brought him into being.
* **Take me away (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to lift, carry, take away." In this context, especially when coupled with the adverb "soon" (Hebrew, _mᵉʻaṭ'_, meaning "a little" or "soon"), it signifies a swift and decisive divine judgment, implying removal from existence, potentially even death. Elihu's conviction is that God's response to insincerity or partiality in speech would be immediate and severe. This highlights the gravity with which God views integrity, especially in communication regarding His character and justice, and Elihu's profound fear of God's holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I know not to give flattering titles;":** Elihu begins with a forceful declaration of his inability and unwillingness to engage in insincere or partial speech. He asserts that he lacks the knowledge or the inclination to use "flattering titles"—language designed to praise excessively, manipulate, or curry favor. This immediately sets him apart from the previous speakers, whom he implicitly criticizes for their perceived biases or failures in their arguments. His statement is a claim to moral and theological integrity, positioning himself as a speaker of unvarnished truth.
* **"[in so doing] my maker would soon take me away.":** This clause reveals the profound motivation behind Elihu's commitment to truthfulness: a deep, reverential fear of God. He believes that if he were to engage in flattery or partiality, his "maker"—God, his Creator and Sovereign—would swiftly intervene with judgment, removing him from life or from his position. This is not merely a hypothetical consequence but a firm conviction in God's active involvement in human affairs and His intolerance for deceit, especially in matters of divine justice and truth. It underscores Elihu's understanding of divine accountability and the seriousness with which God regards integrity in speech.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's statement in [Job 32:22](/job/32-22 "Job 32:22 - Elihu's Refusal to Flatter") 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](/job/32-22 "Job 32:22 - Elihu's Refusal to Flatter") 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.

* [Proverbs 29:5](/proverbs/29-5 "Proverbs 29:5 - A Man Who Flatters His Neighbor Spreads a Net for His Feet")
* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to Your Neighbor")
* [Galatians 1:10](/galatians/1-10 "Galatians 1:10 - Pleasing God, Not Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elihu's bold declaration in [Job 32:22](/job/32-22 "Job 32:22 - Elihu's Refusal to Flatter") 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
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to use "flattering titles" or insincere speech to gain favor or avoid conflict?**
* **How does my "fear of God" (reverence and awe) influence my communication patterns and my willingness to speak difficult truths?**
* **What are the practical steps I can take to ensure my words consistently reflect integrity and a desire to honor my Maker?**
* **How does prioritizing God's approval free me from the pressure of seeking human approval in my speech and actions?**

### 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](/job/32-22 "Job 32:22 - Elihu's Refusal to Flatter"), 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](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind").

**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](/proverbs/26-28 "Proverbs 26:28 - A Lying Tongue Hates Those It Hurts, and a Flattering Mouth Works Ruin")). The Psalms lament those whose "mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity" ([Psalm 10:7](/psalm/10-7 "Psalm 10:7 - The Wicked Man's Deceitful Mouth")). In the New Testament, apostles warn against those who use "flattering speech" to deceive the naive ([Romans 16:18](/romans/16-18 "Romans 16:18 - Deceitful Speech")) or for selfish motives ([1 Thessalonians 2:5](/1_thessalonians/2-5 "1 Thessalonians 2:5 - We Never Used Flattery")). True biblical love and communication are characterized by speaking the truth in love ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speak the Truth in Love")), 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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life") 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](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), challenged false teachings, and spoke with unparalleled authority, knowing that His words were from the Father ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks What the Father Has Commanded")). 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](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). 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](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to Your Neighbor"), reflecting the character of the One who is Truth itself.

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

1 Thessalonians 2:5

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness:

Galatians 1:10

¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Proverbs 29:5

¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

Psalms 12:3

The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, [and] the tongue that speaketh proud things:

Job 17:5

He that speaketh flattery to [his] friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.