Job 32
- 1
So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Begin Abide·
- 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, Begin Abide·
- 3
and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. Begin Abide·
- 4
Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. Begin Abide·
- 5
But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. Begin Abide·
- 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. Begin Abide·
- 7
I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom. Begin Abide·
- 8
But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. Begin Abide·
- 9
It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice. Begin Abide·
- 10
Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’ Begin Abide·
- 11
Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words, Begin Abide·
- 12
I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments. Begin Abide·
- 13
So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’ Begin Abide·
- 14
But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. Begin Abide·
- 15
Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them. Begin Abide·
- 16
Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply? Begin Abide·
- 17
I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know. Begin Abide·
- 18
For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. Begin Abide·
- 19
Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. Begin Abide·
- 20
I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond. Begin Abide·
- 21
I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man. Begin Abide·
- 22
For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant. Begin Abide·