Job 32 / 42
- 1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
- 2But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.
- 3He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.
- 4Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.
- 5But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
- 6So 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.
- 7I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.'
- 8But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
- 9It is not only the old 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.
- 11I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words,
- 12I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.
- 13Do not say, 'We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not man.'
- 14But 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.
- 16Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?
- 17I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know.
- 18For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
- 19inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.
- 20I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.
- 21I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter any man;
- 22for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.