This verse from Job 32:20 is spoken by Elihu, a younger man who has been listening to Job and his three friends arguing. He's been holding back, feeling it's not his place to interrupt the older, wiser men. However, he can't contain himself any longer. Let's break down the meaning:
"I will speak, that I may be refreshed." This is the core of the verse. Elihu is saying he needs to speak his mind to find relief. He feels pent up with thoughts and arguments that he believes are important. The word "refreshed" suggests he feels stifled, even burdened, by keeping silent. Speaking will provide him with a sense of release, renewal, and mental clarity. Think of it like holding your breath for too long and finally letting it out – a feeling of revitalization.
"I will open my lips and answer." This is a more straightforward declaration of his intent. "Open my lips" emphasizes the act of speaking out loud, and "answer" indicates that he intends to respond to the points made by Job and his friends. He's ready to engage in the debate and offer his own perspective.
In essence, the verse signifies Elihu's compelling need to express his thoughts and contribute to the discussion, believing that sharing his views will relieve his internal pressure and add a valuable dimension to the debate. He's essentially saying, "I can't hold it in any longer. I have to speak to feel better and contribute to the conversation."
Context is important:
Elihu believes Job and his friends have not been properly addressing the problem of suffering and God's justice. He feels they are either condemning God or failing to truly understand His ways.
Elihu's speeches (Job 32-37) serve as a bridge between the initial debate and God's own speech in response to Job.
Whether Elihu's arguments are entirely correct is debatable, but he represents a fresh perspective that challenges the established views.
This verse from Job 32:20 is spoken by Elihu, a younger man who has been listening to Job and his three friends arguing. He's been holding back, feeling it's not his place to interrupt the older, wiser men. However, he can't contain himself any longer. Let's break down the meaning:
"I will speak, that I may be refreshed." This is the core of the verse. Elihu is saying he needs to speak his mind to find relief. He feels pent up with thoughts and arguments that he believes are important. The word "refreshed" suggests he feels stifled, even burdened, by keeping silent. Speaking will provide him with a sense of release, renewal, and mental clarity. Think of it like holding your breath for too long and finally letting it out – a feeling of revitalization.
"I will open my lips and answer." This is a more straightforward declaration of his intent. "Open my lips" emphasizes the act of speaking out loud, and "answer" indicates that he intends to respond to the points made by Job and his friends. He's ready to engage in the debate and offer his own perspective.
In essence, the verse signifies Elihu's compelling need to express his thoughts and contribute to the discussion, believing that sharing his views will relieve his internal pressure and add a valuable dimension to the debate. He's essentially saying, "I can't hold it in any longer. I have to speak to feel better and contribute to the conversation."
Context is important:
Elihu believes Job and his friends have not been properly addressing the problem of suffering and God's justice. He feels they are either condemning God or failing to truly understand His ways.
Elihu's speeches (Job 32-37) serve as a bridge between the initial debate and God's own speech in response to Job.
Whether Elihu's arguments are entirely correct is debatable, but he represents a fresh perspective that challenges the established views.