Job 32
- 1
So these three men refused to answer Job further, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
- 2
Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry. He was angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.
- 3
With Job’s three friends he was also angry because they could not find an answer, and so declared Job guilty.
- 4
Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because the others were older than he was.
- 5
But when Elihu saw that the three men had no further reply, he became very angry.
- 6
So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: “I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful and afraid to explain to you what I know.
- 7
I said to myself, ‘Age should speak, and length of years should make wisdom known.’
- 8
But it is a spirit in people, the breath of the Almighty, that makes them understand.
- 9
It is not the aged who are wise, nor old men who understand what is right.
- 10
Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me. I, even I, will explain what I know.’
- 11
Look, I waited for you to speak; I listened closely to your wise thoughts, while you were searching for words.
- 12
Now I was paying you close attention, yet there was no one proving Job wrong, not one of you was answering his statements.
- 13
So do not say, ‘We have found wisdom. God will refute him, not man.’
- 14
Job has not directed his words to me, and so I will not reply to him with your arguments.
- 15
“They are dismayed and cannot answer anymore; they have nothing left to say.
- 16
And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more,
- 17
I too will answer my part; I too will explain what I know.
- 18
For I am full of words, and the spirit within me constrains me.
- 19
Inside I am like wine that has no outlet, like new wineskins ready to burst!
- 20
I will speak, so that I may find relief; I will open my lips, so that I may answer.
- 21
I will not show partiality to any person, nor will I confer a title on anyone.
- 22
For I do not know how to give honorary titles; if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.