Job 32: Group Study Handout

Overview

In Job chapter 32, a new character, Elihu, is introduced into the narrative. Elihu is angered by Job's insistence on his own righteousness over God's and by the failure of Job's three friends to provide a convincing response. Elihu is depicted as a young man who has been listening patiently to the debate and refrains from speaking out of respect for their elder status.

Key verse

“But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.”

Job 32:8 (WEB)

Outline

1. Job 32:1–2 Elihu's Anger at Job
2. Job 32:3–5 Critique of Job's Friends
3. Job 32:6–10 Elihu's Youth and Authority
4. Job 32:11–15 Elihu's Observations
5. Job 32:16–20 Elihu's Urgency to Speak
6. Job 32:21–22 Commitment to Honesty

Discussion questions

1. In v2, why is Elihu's wrath kindled against Job?
2. What does Elihu claim about wisdom in vv. 8-9?
3. Elihu's assertion in v12 that no one convinced Job: what does this imply about the friends' arguments?
4. In v21, why does Elihu insist he will not give 'flattering titles' to anyone?
5. When has your own 'breast' felt like 'wine which has no vent' (v19) in a conversation?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Job 32: Job 33, Proverbs 2, Job 38.

Before next time: read Job 33.