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Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends
…21I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man.22ForI do notknow howto flatter,or my Makerwould remove mein an instant.

Treasury of Scripture

For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

I know not.

Job 17:5
He that speaketh flattery tohis friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.

Psalm 12:2,3
They speak vanity every one with his neighbour:with flattering lipsand with a double heart do they speak…

Proverbs 29:5
A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

AbleEndFlatterFlatteringFlatteryHonourLittleMakerNamesQuicklySkilledSoonTitlesAbleEndFlatterFlatteringFlatteryHonourLittleMakerNamesQuicklySkilledSoonTitles1.Elihu is angry with Job and his three friends
6.Because wisdom comes not from age, he excuses the boldness of his youth
11.He reproves them for not satisfying Job
16.His zeal to speak

For I do not know how to flatter
This phrase reflects Elihu's claim of sincerity and integrity. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, flattery was often used to gain favor or manipulate situations. Elihu distinguishes himself from Job's other friends by asserting that he speaks truthfully, without resorting to deceitful praise. This aligns with biblical teachings against flattery, as seen inProverbs 26:28, which warns against the dangers of insincere speech. Elihu's statement also underscores the importance of honesty before God, a theme prevalent throughout the wisdom literature.

or my Maker would remove me in an instant
Elihu acknowledges God's sovereignty and justice, recognizing that deceitful behavior would lead to divine retribution. The term "Maker" emphasizes God's role as the Creator, a reminder of humanity's accountability to Him. This reflects the biblical principle that God is aware of all actions and intentions, as seen in passages likePsalm 139:1-4, which speaks of God's omniscience. Elihu's fear of divine judgment for flattery highlights the seriousness with which he approaches his discourse, aligning with the broader biblical theme of fearing God and shunning evil, as exemplified inProverbs 3:7.

1.Elihu
A young man who speaks inJob 32-37. He is not one of Job's three friends but feels compelled to speak because he believes the others have failed to provide Job with wisdom.

2.Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man who experiences immense suffering and seeks to understand the reasons behind it.

3.Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom but are ultimately rebuked by God.

4.God (Maker)
Referred to by Elihu as the ultimate authority and judge, emphasizing the divine perspective over human understanding.

5.The Setting
The dialogue takes place in the land of Uz, where Job and his friends are engaged in a deep theological discussion about suffering and righteousness.The Dangers of Flattery
Flattery can lead to falsehood and deceit, distancing us from God's truth.

It is important to speak truthfully and with integrity, even when it is difficult.

Fear of the Lord Over Fear of Man
Elihu's refusal to flatter highlights the importance of fearing God rather than seeking human approval.

Our words should reflect our reverence for God, not our desire to please others.

Accountability to God
Elihu acknowledges that God is his Maker and Judge, reminding us that we are accountable to God for our words and actions.

We should strive to live in a way that honors God, knowing that He sees and knows all.

Wisdom in Speech
Elihu's example encourages us to seek wisdom in our speech, ensuring that our words align with God's truth.

We should pray for discernment to speak wisely and avoid the pitfalls of flattery.1.What is the meaning of Job 32:22?

2.How does Job 32:22 warn against showing partiality in our daily interactions?

3.Why is it important to avoid flattery according to Job 32:22?

4.How can Job 32:22 guide us in maintaining integrity in relationships?

5.What other scriptures emphasize the dangers of flattery and partiality?

6.How can we apply the principle of impartiality in our church community?

7.What does Job 32:22 reveal about the nature of flattery in human relationships?

8.How does Job 32:22 challenge the integrity of leaders and authority figures?

9.Why does Elihu emphasize the danger of flattery in Job 32:22?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 32?

11.How immense is the universe's expanse?

12.Why did Peter walk on water?

13.Job 32:16-22 - Are there any textual or historical clues suggesting this chapter might be a later insertion, potentially creating inconsistencies within the book?

14.What foods are mentioned in the Bible?For I do not know how to flatter

• These words come from Elihu as he begins speaking to Job and the older counselors. He declares he is free from the poison of insincere praise.

• Scripture consistently warns about flattery—an empty compliment designed to manipulate.

– “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet” (Proverbs 29:5).

– “They speak falsehood to one another; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak” (Psalm 12:2).

– Paul echoes the same standard: “As you know, we never used words of flattery” (1 Thessalonians 2:5).

• Elihu’s stance models integrity:

– He would rather risk offending human ears than dishonor God (compareEphesians 4:25, “Speak truth each one to his neighbor”).

– True love “rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6).

• The point: disciples of the Lord are called to plain, gracious honesty, never to manipulative speech.

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or my Maker would remove me in an instant

• Elihu links his refusal to flatter with the fear of God. He lives and speaks under the watchful eye of the Creator who “holds in His hand the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10).

• In Scripture, God swiftly judges deceptive speech when it mocks His holiness.

– Ananias and Sapphira fell dead for lying (Acts 5:1-11).

– Herod was struck because he welcomed fawning praise that belonged to God (Acts 12:22-23).

• Elihu’s conviction rests on two truths:

– God is Maker—sovereign, personal, and righteous (Isaiah 45:9).

– God can “remove” a person at any moment (Luke 12:20;Matthew 10:28).

• Therefore, refusing flattery is not mere etiquette; it is worshipful obedience. Honest speech honors the One who “desires truth in the inmost being” (Psalm 51:6).

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summary

Job 32:22 teaches that flattery is incompatible with reverence for God. Elihu will not manipulate with smooth words because God, the Creator who controls life and death, abhors deceitful speech. The verse calls believers to cultivate truthful, transparent communication, grounded in holy fear and unwavering loyalty to the Lord.

(22) In so doing my maker would soon take me away.--Or perhaps the meaning may be, "My Maker will almost have to forgive me:"that is, for being too candid, frank, and straightforward; for speaking too plainly. Some commentators regard Elihu's character with great disfavour, and consider him to be an empty and arrogant talker, mainly, perhaps, fromJob 32:18-19; others accept him as a wise and pious friend of Job, who not only gave him good advice, but perhaps more nearly than any other of the disputants hit the truth about Job's afflictions. We are probably more right in this latter view, because at the climax of the poem we do not read that Elihu had any share in the condemnation which was passed by God on the three friends of Job. He is not noticed for either praise or blame.

It is to be observed that the last eight verses of this chapter are a kind of soliloquy, unlike the former part of it, which was addressed to the friends, or the next chapter, which is addressed to Job.

Verse 22. -For I know not to give flattering titles;i.e. it is not my habit to give flattering titles, nor have I any knowledge of the art.I should expect that, if such were my habit, my Maker would soon take me away; would soon,i.e., remove me from the earth, as one whose influence was not for good, but for evil. Flattery is condemned by Job, inJob 17:5: by David, in the Psalms (Psalm 3:9; 12:2, 3; 78:36); and by Solomon, in the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 2:16;Proverbs 7:21;Proverbs 20:19;Proverbs 28:23, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...

For
כִּ֤י(kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

I do not
לֹ֣א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

know how
יָדַ֣עְתִּי(yā·ḏa‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045:To know

to flatter,
אֲכַנֶּ֑ה(’ă·ḵan·neh)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3655:To address by an additional name, to eulogize

or my Maker
עֹשֵֽׂנִי׃(‘ō·śê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make

would remove me
יִשָּׂאֵ֥נִי(yiś·śā·’ê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, take

in an instant.
כִּ֝מְעַ֗ט(kim·‘aṭ)
Preposition-k | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4592:A little, fewness, a few


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OT Poetry: Job 32:22 For I don't know how to give (Jb)