Job 32 introduces us to a new character to the story of Job, a young man by the name of Elihu. For 31 chapters this chap has sat stone cold silent. He has listened to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar wrongly accuse Job of sin. He has listened to Job claim his innocence, despair his life, and come close to making God look like an ogre. He has listened and sat completely silent. Now in chapter 32 he speaks, and he speaks for 5 chapters. Commentators are divided on exactly how to take this young, fiery fellow.
One thing, however, is certain. Elihu does not get rebuked by the Lord as do the rest of Job’s friends in chapter 42. What he says is correct! In his speech he rebukes his elders for how they have misspoken. What can we learn from this guy? One of the main lessons we can learn is that gray hair does not necessarily make one wise. Elihu, the youngest, of the bunch is the only one who gets things right! All of his elders have misspoken in some way (even Job). This should be a lesson to the old. Do not dismiss youth just because they are young. Listen to them. They may have drunk long at the wells of the word and have some very significant things to say. There is also a lesson for the young here. Do not be quick to rebuke your elders. Elihu let his elders each give three speeches. He sat silent for 31 chapters before opening his mouth. He was reluctant to speak. Nevertheless if the truth is not being proclaimed by those who should proclaim it, then young person stand up and proclaim it! Rebuke those who speak not truth, but do so in love and as a last resort.