Job 32

Elihu Rebukes Job’s Three Friends

1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was *See ch. 33:9righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu the son of Barachel *Gen. 22:21;Jer. 25:23the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself *ch. 4:17;[ch. 34:5;35:2;40:8]rather than God. 3 He burned with anger also at Job’s three friends because they had found no answer, although they had *ch. 8:6;22:5declared Job to be in the wrong. 4 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 these three men, he burned with anger.

6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said:

"I am young in years,

and you are *ch. 15:10aged;

therefore I was timid and afraid

to declare my opinion to you.

7 I said, ‘Let days speak,

and many years teach wisdom.’

8 But it is *ch. 33:4;34:14the spirit in man,

*ch. 33:4;Gen. 2:7the breath of the Almighty, that makes him *ch. 35:11;38:36;39:17;1 Kgs. 3:12;4:29;Prov. 2:6;Eccles. 2:26;Dan. 1:17;2:21;James 1:5understand.

9 *1 Cor. 1:26;[ch. 12:20;Matt. 11:25]It is not the old*32:9 Hebrew many [in years] who are wise,

nor the aged who understand what is right.

10 Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;

let me also declare my opinion.’

11 "Behold, I waited for your words,

I listened for your wise sayings,

while you searched out what to say.

12 I gave you my attention,

and, behold, there was none among you who refuted Job

or who answered his words.

13 Beware *Jer. 9:23lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom;

God may vanquish him, not a man.’

14 He has not directed his words against me,

and I will not answer him with your speeches.

15 "They are dismayed; they answer no more;

they have not a word to say.

16 And shall I wait, because they do not speak,

because they stand there, and answer no more?

17 I also will answer with my share;

I also will declare my opinion.

18 For I am full of words;

the spirit within me constrains me.

19 Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent;

like new *Matt. 9:17;[Josh. 9:4]wineskins ready to burst.

20 *[Ps. 39:3] I must speak, that I may find *1 Sam. 16:23relief;

I must open my lips and answer.

21 I will not *Lev. 19:15show partiality to any man

or use flattery toward any person.

22 For I do not know how to flatter,

else my Maker would soon take me away.