Job 32:7
5 But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled.
6 So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.
I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.
8 But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
9 It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.
Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.
- KJV
- I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
- WEB
- I said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’
- ASV
- I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.
- DARBY
- I said, Let days speak, and multitude of years teach wisdom.
- BLB
- I said, “Days shall speak, and a multitude of years shall make known wisdom.’
- ÅB
- Jeg tenkte: La alderen tale og de mange år forkynne visdom!
- OTB
- Jeg tenkte: ‘La alder tale,
og la mange år gi visdom.’ - B1930
- Jeg tenkte: La alderen tale og de mange år forkynne visdom!
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
Read in contextJob 12:12
Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life.
Read in contextHebrews 5:12
Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!
Read in context1 Kings 12:6–8
Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked.
Read in contextPsalms 34:11–12
Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Read in contextJob 8:8–10
Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers.
Read in contextProverbs 1:1–4
These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel,
Read in context