VERSES 9-12. — The long-lived are not wise, nor do the aged understand judgment. Therefore I will say: Listen to me; I too will show you my wisdom. For I waited for your words, I gave ear to your prudence, while you disputed with words; and while I thought you were saying something, I considered. 14. Some are silent out of pride; and the aged listen, not to learn, but to judge. — As far as the intention of the letter regards, Elihu in speaking indicates how proudly he was silent. For when he says: For I waited for your words, and I thought you were saying something, he plainly declares that he was silent at the words of the elders with the zeal of one judging rather than with the desire of one learning.
Although these things better designate the life of the arrogant, who, sometimes placed within the holy Church, when they behold adversaries of that same holy Church, are wont to weigh not the years of their time but the intention of their words. For however much older the heretics may be than those same arrogant ones, they boldly suppress them, in whose words they reprove perverse doctrines. There follows: