< Job 32 >

1 So these three men gave no more answers to Job, because he seemed to himself to be right.
So these three men ceased to answer Job because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was angry, burning with wrath against Job, because he seemed to himself more right than God;
Then the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled. His anger was kindled against Job because he justified himself rather than God.
3 And he was angry with his three friends, because they had been unable to give him an answer, and had not made Job's sin clear.
His anger was also kindled against his three friends because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had kept quiet while Job was talking, because they were older than he;
Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he.
5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, he was very angry.
And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his anger was kindled.
6 And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, made answer and said, I am young, and you are very old, so I was in fear, and kept myself from putting my knowledge before you.
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old. Therefore I held back, and dared not show you my opinion.
7 I said to myself, It is right for the old to say what is in their minds, and for those who are far on in years to give out wisdom.
I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8 But truly it is the spirit in man, even the breath of the Ruler of all, which gives them knowledge.
But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.
9 It is not the old who are wise, and those who are full of years have not the knowledge of what is right.
It is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.
10 So I say, Give ear to me, and I will put forward my knowledge.
Therefore I said, Hearken to me, I also will show my opinion.
11 I was waiting for your words, I was giving ear to your wise sayings; while you were searching out what to say,
Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasonings, while ye searched out what to say.
12 I was taking note; and truly not one of you was able to make clear Job's error, or to give an answer to his words.
Yea, I attended to you. And, behold, there was none who convinced Job, or who answered his words among you.
13 Take care that you do not say, Wisdom is here; God may overcome him, but not man.
Beware lest ye say, We have found wisdom. God may vanquish him, not man.
14 I will not put forward words like these, or make use of your sayings in answer to him.
For he has not directed his words against me. Neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15 Fear has overcome them, they have no more answers to give; they have come to an end of words.
They are amazed, they answer no more. They have not a word to say.
16 And am I to go on waiting while they have nothing to say? while they keep quiet and give no more answers?
And shall I wait because they do not speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?
17 I will give my answer; I will put forward my knowledge:
I also will answer my part. I also will show my opinion,
18 For I am full of words, I am unable to keep in my breath any longer:
for I am full of words. The spirit within me compels me.
19 My stomach is like wine which is unable to get out; like skins full of new wine, it is almost burst.
Behold, my breast is as wine which has no vent. Like new wine-skins it is ready to burst.
20 Let me say what is in my mind, so that I may get comfort; let me give answer with open mouth.
I will speak that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me not give respect to any man, or give names of honour to any living.
Let me not, I pray you, respect any man's person. Neither will I give flattering titles to any man.
22 For I am not able to give names of honour to any man; and if I did, my Maker would quickly take me away.
For I know not to give flattering titles, else my maker would soon take me away.

< Job 32 >