“So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. to: Heb. from answering”
Hebrew, was just in his own eyes .
“Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. himself: Heb. his soul”
By making himself innocent, and by charging God of rigor. Which came of Buz, the son of Nahor, Abraham’s brother. Or, as the Chaldean paraphrase readeth, Abram.
“Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. waited: Heb. expected Job in words elder: Heb. elder for days”
That is, the three mentioned before.
“I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.”
Meaning, the ancient, which have experience.
“But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”
It is a special gift of God that man hath understanding, and cometh neither of nature nor by age.
“Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. reasons: Heb. understandings what: Heb. words”
To prove that Job’s affliction came for his sins.
“Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.”
And flatter yourselves, as though you had overcome him.
“Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches. directed: or, ordered”
To wit, Job. He useth almost the like arguments, but without taunting and reproaches.
“For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. matter: Heb. words spirit: Heb. spirit of my belly”
I have conceived in my mind great store of reasons.
“Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.”
I will neither have regard to riches, credit, nor authority, but will speak the very truth.
“For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.”
The Hebrew word signifieth, to change the name, as to call a fool a wise man: meaning, that he would not cloak the truth to flatter men.