Matthew Poole and continuators on Job 32:8

8. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding .

Or, surely: It must be confessed.

To wit, which gives him understanding, as is easily and fitly gathered out of the last words of the Verse. And this is to be understood either 1. of the humane Spirit, or reasonable Soul, which is in every man. So the sense of the place is, Every man, as a man, whether old or young, hath a reasonable Soul, by which he is able in some measure to discern between Good and Evil, and to judge of mens Opinions and Discourses: And therefore I also may venture to deliver my Opinion. Or 2. of the Spirit of God, the latter Clause being explicatory of the former, according to the manner. So the sense is, I expected a true and full discovery of the truth in this controversie from persons of your years, Wisdom and Experience. But upon second thoughts I consider that the knowledge of these deep and divine Mysteries is not to be had or expected from any man as such, though never so aged or wise, but onely from God's Spirit, which alone knoweth the deep things of God. And this Spirit he saith is in man, not in every man, for the words are not universal, but indefinite, and man in this Branch is no larger than them who receive divine inspiration in the next Branch. And so the sense is, God is pleased to give his Spirit unto Mankind, unto men of all ages and qualities, as he pleaseth; and having given it in some measure to me, I may take the boldness to utter my thoughts.

i. e. God's Spirit, or the gracious Gifts thereof breathed or i[illegible: 1+ letters]fused into man's Soul by God.

To wit, in divine and spiritual matters, which are the matter of this Debate and Book.

Marginal references: Ch. 35. 11. & 38. 36. Prov. 2. 6. Eccles. 2. 26. Dan. 1. 17. & 2. 21. Jam. 1. 5.