Job 32:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The account illustrates that Elihu, prior to feeling a strong urge to communicate, practiced self-restraint; he exhibited patience and was on the verge of expressing himself, necessitating immense endurance. The ability to hold back one’s words is fundamentally a testament to wisdom. A different interpretation suggests that Elihu, during a prolonged period of suffering, awaited the right moment to speak, showing admirable restraint as he was eager to share his thoughts, which required significant patience. This exemplifies the pinnacle of wisdom: the capacity to control one’s speech. He endured this inner turmoil out of fervent love for God.

After outlining the reasons that previously prevented him from speaking and his intentions for engaging in dialogue, Elius assures Job he will speak sincerely and without trepidation. He then urges Job to listen carefully and challenge any inaccuracies he perceives, acknowledging his awareness of human limitations. Citing Job’s own admissions of innocently enduring suffering from God, Elius perceives Job's stance as misguided in relation to God, who governs the fates of the universe without obligation to justify His actions. He treats humanity in a manner that leaves no grounds for claiming unjust judgment. When God observes mankind's tendency to err, He offers guidance through visions or afflictions, yet extends mercy and rewards once they are restored. Elius invites Job to voice his objections, and upon receiving no response, he prompts him for attention once more.