Job 32

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

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he seemed just to himself.

2 This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God,

And Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, was angry and was moved to indignation: now he was angry against Job, because he said he was just before God.

3 and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.

And he was angry with his friends because they had not found a reasonable answer, but only had condemned Job.

4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he.

So Eliu waited while Job was speaking, because they were his elders that were speaking.

5 But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled.

But when he saw that the three were not able to answer, he was exceedingly angry.

6 So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.

Then Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: I am younger in days, and you are more ancient; therefore hanging down my head, I was afraid to shew you my opinion.

7 I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.

For I hoped that greater age would speak, and that a multitude of years would teach wisdom.

8 But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

But, as I see, there is a spirit in men, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding.

9 It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.

They that are aged are not the wise men, neither do the ancients understand judgment.

10 Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’

Therefore I will speak: Hearken to me, I also will shew you my wisdom.

11 Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words,

For I have waited for your words, I have given ear to your wisdom, as long as you were disputing in words.

12 I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments.

And as long as I thought you said some thing, I considered: but, as I see, there is none of you that can convince Job, and answer his words.

13 So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’

Lest you should say: We have found wisdom, God hath cast him down, not man.

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

He hath spoken nothing to me, and I will not answer him according to your words.

15 Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them.

They were afraid, and answered no more, and they left off speaking.

16 Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?

Therefore because I have waited, and they have not spoken: they stood, and answered no more:

17 I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.

I also will answer my part, and will shew my knowledge.

18 For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.

For I am full of matter to speak of, and the spirit of my bowels straiteneth me.

19 Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin.

Behold, my belly is as new wine which wanteth vent, which bursteth the new vessels.

20 I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.

I will speak and take breath a little: I will open my lips, and will answer.

21 I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man.

I will not accept the person of man, and I will not level God with man.

22 For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.

For I know not how long I shall continue, and whether after a while my Maker may take me away.