Job 32:9

Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

Great men {H7227} are not always wise {H2449}: neither do the aged {H2205} understand {H995} judgment {H4941}.

it isn't [only] the great who are wise or the aged who know how to judge.

It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.

It is not the great that are wise, Nor the aged that understand justice.

In the book of Job, the narrative unfolds with Job's profound suffering and the subsequent dialogues with his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. After their long and often unhelpful speeches conclude, a younger man named Elihu steps forward, having waited patiently for the elders to finish. Elihu's discourse begins in Job chapter 32, and verse 9 serves as a foundational statement for his subsequent arguments.

Context

This verse marks a pivotal shift in the book's dialogue. Elihu has listened intently to both Job and his three friends, recognizing the inadequacy of their arguments. He expresses his frustration, believing that the "great men" (Job's friends) have failed to convince Job or truly understand the situation. Elihu challenges the prevailing cultural assumption that age or status automatically confers wisdom and sound judgment. His intervention paves the way for a deeper theological exploration of God's ways, preparing the ground for God's own voice later in the book (see Job 38:1).

Key Themes

  • Divine Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom: The primary message of Job 32:9 is a forceful assertion that true wisdom is not inherent in human status or age. Elihu emphasizes that genuine understanding and discernment come from God, not from human experience or intellectual prowess alone. This theme resonates throughout the Bible, highlighting that wisdom ultimately flows from the Lord.
  • Humility in Knowledge: Elihu's statement implicitly calls for humility. It suggests that even those held in high esteem or with many years of experience can err in judgment. Acknowledging the limits of human understanding opens the door for divine revelation.
  • Critique of Conventional Authority: The verse directly challenges the societal reverence for age and position as infallible sources of truth. It suggests that valuable insights can come from unexpected sources, as Elihu, a younger man, is about to demonstrate.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "great men" is g'dolim (גְּדֹלִים), referring to those of high standing, importance, or influence. The term for "wise" is chakhamim (חֲכָמִים), denoting individuals with skill, insight, or prudence. "Aged" is z'qenim (זְקֵנִים), simply meaning old men or elders, who were typically respected for their experience. "Judgment" is mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט), which can mean justice, discernment, or a decision. In this context, it implies understanding truth, God's justice, or the ability to make sound decisions.

Practical Application

Job 32:9 offers timeless wisdom for contemporary life. It reminds us not to equate authority, status, or even advanced age with infallible wisdom. While experience is valuable, true discernment comes from a source beyond human limitations. This verse encourages us to:

  • Seek Godly Wisdom: Prioritize seeking wisdom from God's Word and through prayer, recognizing that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.
  • Be Discerning: Evaluate counsel based on its alignment with biblical truth, not merely on the speaker's position or age.
  • Cultivate Humility: Remain open to learning from anyone, regardless of their background, understanding that God can speak through various channels.
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true understanding is a gift from God, available to all who humbly seek it.

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.

  • Job 12:20

    He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:26

    For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:

  • 1 Corinthians 1:27

    But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

  • Ecclesiastes 4:13

    ¶ Better [is] a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.

  • Matthew 11:25

    ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:7

    But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

  • 1 Corinthians 2:8

    Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

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