Job 32

Elihu in Anger Rebukes Job

1Then these three men ceased answering Job, because he was 1righteous in his own eyes. 2But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the 2Buzite, of the family of Ram burned; against Job his anger burned 3because he justified himself 45before God. 3And his anger burned against his three friends because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 4Now Elihu had waited 6to speak to Job because they were years older than he. 5And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men his anger burned.

6So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite 7spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are 8old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you 9what I think.7I 10thought 1112age should speak, And 13increased years should teach wisdom.8But it is a spirit in man, And the 14breath of the Almighty gives them 15understanding.9The 16abundant in years may not be wise, Nor may 17elders understand justice.10So I 18say, ‘Listen to me, I too will tell 19what I think.’

11“Behold, I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, While you 20pondered what to say.12I even paid close attention to you; 21Indeed, there was no one who refuted Job, Not one of you who answered his words.13Do not say, ‘22We have found wisdom; God will 23rout him, not man.’14For he has not arranged his words against me, Nor will I reply to him with your 24arguments.

15“They are dismayed, they no longer answer; Words have 25failed them.16Shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they 26stop and no longer answer?17I too will answer my share, I also will tell my opinion.18For I am full of words; The spirit within me constrains me.19Behold, my belly is like unvented wine, Like new wineskins it is about to burst.20Let me speak that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer.21Let me now 27be partial to no one, Nor flatter any man.22For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.