Confronting Friends (Job 32)

Can a young man speak a little bit closer to the truth than Job’s older friends? Let’s look at Job 32.

Was Job righteous in his own eyes, and did he justify himself rather than God? Did his friends condemn him though they found no answer?

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God. Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he. When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled. (Job 32:1-5 WEB)

Though Job’s elderly friends should have been wiser than young Elihu, where does true wisdom really come from?

Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said: I’m young and you’re old, so I held back, afraid to express my opinion to you. I thought, Let days speak; let multiple years make wisdom known. But the spirit in a person, the Almighty’s breath, gives understanding. The advanced in days aren’t wise; the old don’t understand what’s right. Therefore, I say: “Listen to me; I’ll state my view, even I.” (Job 32:6-10 CEB)

Did any one of Job’s friends prove that he was wrong about something?

I eagerly listened to each of your arguments, but not one of you proved Job to be wrong. You shouldn't say, “We know what's right! Let God punish him.” Job hasn't spoken against me, and so I won't answer him with your arguments. (Job 32:11-14 CEV)

Was Elihu bursting with the need to say something to Job’s friends?

They are dismayed; they answer no more; they have not a word to say. And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more? I also will answer with my share; I also will declare my opinion. For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins ready to burst. I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. I will not show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person. For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away. (Job 32:15-22 ESV)

Will God reveal His will to sons and daughters, the young and old alike?

And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. (Acts 2:17 HCSB)

Can a young man speak a little bit closer to the truth than Job’s older friends? You decide!