When I had waited - I waited to hear if they had any thing to reply to Job; and when I found them in effect speechless, then I ventured to come forward.
Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7
16. When I had waited. This may also be translated, “and shall I wait?” The impatience of young Elihu displays itself, prodding the older men because of their silence and manifesting growing ardor for the presentation of his own points of view.