Job 32

1

So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

2

But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.

3

He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. ^[1]

4

Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.

5

But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.

6

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: "I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know.

7

I thought, `Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.'

8

But it is the spirit ^[2] in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

9

It is not only the old ^[3] who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.

10

"Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know.

11

I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words,

12

I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.

13

Do not say, `We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not man.'

14

But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.

15

"They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them.

16

Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?

17

I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know.

18

For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;

19

inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.

20

I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.

21

I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter any man;

22

for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.

1. [3] Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition Job, and so had condemned God
2. [8] Or Spirit; also in verse 18
3. [9] Or many; or great