Job 32:5-8 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

When Elihu saw, &c., then his wrath was kindled When he saw that none of these three offered to reply, but sat as men that knew not what to say, he was not able to hold his peace any longer. With the next words the metre begins again, the preceding part of this chapter being in prose. I am young, and ye are very old I have considered all this time my own youth and your aged experience; wherefore I was afraid Of being thought forward and presumptuous, and so have hitherto forbore to interpose my opinion. I said, Days That is, the multitude of days, or men of many days or years, old men; should speak Namely, wisely and pertinently; and the multitude of years should teach wisdom Should instruct us that are younger in the paths of wisdom, and concerning the wise counsels and ways of God, about which the present controversy is. But Hebrew, אכן, achen, surely; it must be confessed; there is a spirit in man A rational soul, and therefore every man, as man, whether old or young, is able in some measure to discern between truth and falsehood, good and evil; and to judge of men's opinions and discourses: and therefore I also may venture to deliver my opinion. And the inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding Instructeth this rational soul in the knowledge of divine things, when that inspiration is sincerely and earnestly asked of God, and received in humility and faith: in other words, I see that heavenly wisdom is not always the property of old age, but that God often imparts it to those that are younger. It is a divine gift, that depends not upon length of years, but is communicated through the influence of the Divine Spirit. It is this that enlightens the dark mind of man, and makes him wise unto salvation: and without this he is still involved in ignorance and error, sin and misery.