Job 32:5

Job 32:5 When Elihu saw that [there was] no answer in the mouth of [these] three men, then his wrath was kindled.

Ver. 5. When Elihu saw that there was no answer] And therefore Job looked upon himself as one that had won the day. St Austin professeth this was it that heartened him, and made him to triumph in his former Manichecism, that he met with feeble opponents, and such as his nimble wit was easily able to overturn. And when Carolostadius opposed Luther’s consubstantiation but weakly and insufficiently, Zuinglius said he was sorry that so good a cause, non satis humerorum haberet, lacked shoulders.

then his wrath was kindled] viz. From their coldness, like as Neh 3:20. Baruch repaired earnestly ( se accendit, he burst out into heat, angry with his own and others’ sloth); so Elihu here, when he saw that Job’s eloquence triumphed over their wisdom, and that their silence was a loud acknowledgment of their defeat, he grew more angry than before; and, transported with zeal, be saith to them very briskly,

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Job 32:5-8. When Elihu saw, &c., then his wrath was kindled — When he saw that none of these three offered to reply, but sat as men that knew not what to say, he was not able to hold his peace any longer. With the next words the metre begins again, the preceding part of this chapter being in prose. I am young, and ye are very old — I have considered all this time my own youth and your aged experience; wherefore I was afraid — Of being thought forward and presumptuous, and so have hitherto forbore to interpose my opinion. I said, Days — That is, the multitude of days, or men of many days or years, old men; should speak — Namely, wisely and pertinently; and the multitude of years should teach wisdom — Should instruct us that are younger in the paths of wisdom, and concerning the wise counsels and ways of God, about which the present controversy is. But — Hebrew, אכן, achen, surely; it must be confessed; there is a spirit in man — A rational soul, and therefore every man, as man, whether old or young, is able in some measure to discern between truth and falsehood, good and evil; and to judge of men’s opinions and discourses: and therefore I also may venture to deliver my opinion. And the inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding — Instructeth this rational soul in the knowledge of divine things, when that inspiration is sincerely and earnestly asked of God, and received in humility and faith: in other words, I see that heavenly wisdom is not always the property of old age, but that God often imparts it to those that are younger. It is a divine gift, that depends not upon length of years, but is communicated through the influence of the Divine Spirit. It is this that enlightens the dark mind of man, and makes him wise unto salvation: and without this he is still involved in ignorance and error, sin and misery.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men,.... That could be called an answer; nay, when he perceived they were quite nonplussed and silenced, though men of years and experience, and reputed wise and knowing:

then his wrath was kindled; his spirit was stirred up; his heart was hot within him; he burned with anger against those men; he was all on fire, as it were, and wanted to vent his resentment.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled (comp. ver. 3 and the comment).

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.