< Job 32 >

1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
So had these three men abstained from answering 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,
Thereupon was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he had declared himself more righteous 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.
And 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 held back toward Job [his] words; because the others were older in days than he.
5 But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled.
But when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then was his wrath 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 commenced, and said, Young am I in days, and ye are very old: therefore I hesitated and feared to show you what I know.
7 I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.
I had said, Days shall speak, and multitude of years shall make wisdom known.
8 But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
But it is the spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty which giveth them understanding.
9 It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.
Not those rich in years must be always wise: neither do the aged constantly understand what is just.
10 Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’
Therefore do I say, Hearken to me: I also will show forth what I know myself.
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 an attentive ear to your reasonings, till you might have searched out the [proper] words.
12 I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments.
And now I understand you fully, and, behold, there is none that convinceth Job, or, that answereth his speeches among you.
13 So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’
Say then not, We have found wisdom: God will thrust him down, not man.
14 But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
But he hath not directed any words against me: and with your speeches will I not answer him.
15 Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them.
They are dismayed, they answer no more: words have escaped away from them.
16 Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?
And should I wait [longer], because they cannot speak, because they stand stilt and answer no more?
17 I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.
[But] I also will surely answer my part, I myself also will show forth what I know;
18 For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.
For I am full of words, the spirit in my bosom urgeth me hard.
19 Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin.
Behold, my bosom is like [fresh] wine which hath not been opened: like new bottles it is ready to burst.
20 I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.
I will speak, that I may breathe freer: I will open my lips and answer.
21 I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man.
On no account will I show undue favor to any man, and to no son of earth will I give flattering titles.
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; [for else] my Maker would speedily carry me away.

< Job 32 >