Job 32:7

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

I said {H559}, Days {H3117} should speak {H1696}, and multitude {H7230} of years {H8141} should teach {H3045} wisdom {H2451}.

I said, 'Age should speak; an abundance of years should teach wisdom.'

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

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

Job 32:7 introduces Elihu, a new voice in the debate surrounding Job's suffering. This verse sets the stage for his discourse by articulating a widely held, traditional belief: that wisdom naturally accompanies age and extensive experience. Elihu begins by acknowledging the conventional respect due to elders, implying that their long lives should have equipped them with profound insights.

Context of Job 32:7

This verse marks the beginning of Elihu's lengthy contribution to the Book of Job, following the silence of Job's three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) and Job's own final defense. Elihu, who is younger than the other participants, has been listening intently to the entire dialogue (Job 32:1-2). He is frustrated with both Job's self-justification and the friends' inability to offer a convincing explanation or rebuke. His initial statement, "I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom," reflects a common ancient societal value placed on age and the wisdom presumed to come with it. This traditional view, however, is a premise he will soon challenge, arguing for a deeper source of understanding.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Esteem of Age and Experience: The verse highlights the cultural reverence for elders and the assumption that a long life inherently leads to greater wisdom and discernment. This is a recurring theme in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature.
  • Elihu's Measured Approach: Elihu initially defers to the older men, explaining his prior silence. He respects the traditional view that age should speak first, setting a polite tone before he delivers his own, more critical, perspective.
  • Anticipation of a Deeper Truth: While stating this common belief, Elihu is subtly preparing his audience for a crucial counterpoint. He will soon argue that true wisdom is not solely a product of human experience but is ultimately derived from divine inspiration (Job 32:8).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used, yamim (days) and shanim rabbot (multitude of years), are straightforward designations for longevity. The emphasis is on the quantity of life lived and the experiences accumulated over time. There isn't a complex linguistic nuance beyond the literal meaning; the power of the statement lies in its cultural affirmation of age as a source of wisdom, a concept Elihu then subtly subverts.

Related Scriptures

  • This verse contrasts with Elihu's subsequent argument in Job 32:8, where he states that "there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding."
  • The traditional respect for elders and the wisdom associated with age is also reflected in passages like Proverbs 16:31, which says, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness."
  • For a New Testament perspective on seeking wisdom from God, see James 1:5: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Practical Application

Job 32:7 encourages us to value the experience and insights that often come with age. There is indeed much to learn from those who have lived longer and faced various challenges. However, Elihu's broader message, beginning here, reminds us that wisdom is not exclusively tied to years. True discernment and understanding ultimately flow from God's Spirit and His revelation. This challenges us to remain open to truth from unexpected sources, regardless of age, and to always seek divine wisdom above human experience alone.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 16:31

    ¶ The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.

  • Job 12:12

    ¶ With the ancient [is] wisdom; and in length of days understanding.

  • Hebrews 5:12

    For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

  • 1 Kings 12:6

    And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

  • 1 Kings 12:8

    But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, [and] which stood before him:

  • Psalms 34:11

    ¶ Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

  • Psalms 34:12

    What man [is he that] desireth life, [and] loveth [many] days, that he may see good?

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