Job 32

Breathe in His Wisdom

‘But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.’ ~ Job 32:8

 There are moments in life when you just don’t know what to say, or if you should say anything at all. Job’s friends had been talking for chapters, offering their opinions, advice, and assumptions, but none of them really had the wisdom of God behind their words. Then comes Elihu, the youngest of them all, and he makes a powerful statement in verse 8: it’s not age, experience, or position that gives understanding, it’s the breath of the Almighty. That verse stopped me in my tracks.

I’ve been in situations where I felt unqualified to speak, whether because of my age, my title, or because I didn’t have all the answers. I remember a specific moment in a group  meeting with the executive team where I sensed God stirring something inside me, but I hesitated because others in the room seemed more experienced and important. Eventually, I shared what I believed God was speaking, and afterward, someone came up to say it was exactly what they needed. That taught me that wisdom doesn’t come from me, it flows through me when I make space for His Spirit to speak.

Job 32 reminds us that godly understanding isn’t about being the loudest or the most seasoned. It comes from staying connected to the breath of God, the Holy Spirit. It’s His Spirit that gives us insight, discernment, and boldness to speak life, especially when others are speaking from opinion, not truth.

Here are three ways to stay connected to His breath and grow in understanding:

1. Pause and listen before you speak.

Ask God for insight before giving your opinion. Sometimes the wisest words are few, but Spirit-filled.
Begin your day with this prayer: “Holy Spirit, breathe through me today. Give me words that carry Your heart.”
Speaking quickly and often can cause you to miss what God truly wants to say through you.

2. Read God’s Word as your foundation for wisdom.

Elihu recognized that true understanding comes from God, not personal reasoning. Let Scripture shape how you view people and situations.
Choose one verse each morning and ask, “How can I live this out today?” Write it down and carry it with you.
Leaning on your own logic can lead to frustration and confusion, especially when facing complex issues.

3. Trust that the Spirit speaks through you.

You don’t have to be the most experienced person in the room to carry God’s voice. He speaks through yielded vessels, not perfect ones.
Say yes to moments when God prompts you to speak, even if it feels uncomfortable. Obedience is what He honors.
Staying silent out of fear robs others of the encouragement or direction God may want to deliver through you.

Today I want to encourage you because you don’t have to have it all figured out to be useful in God’s hands. His breath in you is your qualification. The world is full of noise and opinions, but the Spirit of God offers something more, truth, discernment, and life. If you’re willing to listen and be led by His breath, you’ll not only have understanding for yourself but wisdom to offer those around you.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 32

1 Job’s three friends refused to reply further to him because he kept insisting on his innocence.

2 Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry because Job refused to admit that he had sinned and that God was right in punishing him.

3 He was also angry with Job’s three friends, for they made God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job’s arguments.

4 Elihu had waited for the others to speak to Job because they were older than he.

5 But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily.

6 Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think.

7 I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’

8 But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent.

9 Sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice.

10 So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think.

11 “I have waited all this time, listening very carefully to your arguments, listening to you grope for words.

12 I have listened, but not one of you has refuted Job or answered his arguments.

13 And don’t tell me, ‘He is too wise for us. Only God can convince him.’

14 If Job had been arguing with me, I would not answer with your kind of logic!

15 You sit there baffled, with nothing more to say.

16 Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?

17 No, I will say my piece. I will speak my mind.

18 For I am full of pent-up words, and the spirit within me urges me on.

19 I am like a cask of wine without a vent, like a new wineskin ready to burst!

20 I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers.

21 I won’t play favorites or try to flatter anyone.

22 For if I tried flattery, my Creator would soon destroy me.

Journal Prompt:

• Where in your life do you need the breath of God to give you understanding today?
• Write a short prayer asking Him to speak into that area and lead you in truth.
• Let Him breathe through you because you carry more than you think.