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 was righteous in his own eyes.
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,
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
3 and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.
Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he.
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
5 But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled.
When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
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.
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and you are very old; why I was afraid, and dared not show you my opinion.
7 I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.
I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8 But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding.
9 It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.
Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
10 Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’
Therefore I said, Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.
11 Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words,
Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst you searched out what to say.
12 I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments.
Yes, I attended to you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
13 So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’
Lest you should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusts him down, not man.
14 But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
Now he has not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15 Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them.
They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
16 Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?
When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more; )
17 I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.
I said, I will answer also my part, I also will show my opinion.
18 For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.
For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constrains me.
19 Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin.
Behold, my belly is as wine which has no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
20 I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.
I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
21 I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man.
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles to man.
22 For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.
For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
