32
1 So
these three men
ceased to
answer Job, because
he was righteous
in his own
eyes.
2 Then
the wrath of Elihu
the son of
Barachel, the Buzite,
of the family
of Ram, was
kindled against Job.
His wrath was
kindled because he
justified himself rather
than God.
3 Also his wrath
was kindled
against his three
friends, because
they had found
no answer, and
yet had condemned
Job.
4 Now Elihu
had waited to
speak to Job,
because they were
older than he.
5 When Elihu
saw that there
was no answer
in the mouth
of these three men,
his wrath was
kindled.
6 Elihu the
son of Barachel
the Buzite answered,
“I am young, and
you are very
old.
Therefore I held back,
and didn’t dare show
you my opinion.
7 I
said, ‘Days should
speak,
and multitude of
years should teach
wisdom.’
8 But there
is a spirit
in man,
and the Spirit
of the
Almighty gives them understanding.
9 It
is not the
great who are
wise,
nor the aged
who understand justice.
10 Therefore
I said, ‘Listen
to me;
I also will
show my opinion.’
11 “Behold,
I waited for
your words,
and I listened
for your reasoning,
while you
searched out what
to say.
12 Yes,
I gave you my full
attention,
but there was no
one who
convinced Job,
or who answered
his words, among
you.
13 Beware
lest you say, ‘We
have found wisdom.
God may refute
him, not man;’
14 for
he has not
directed his words
against me;
neither will I
answer him with
your speeches.
15 “They
are amazed. They
answer no more.
They don’t have a
word to say.
16 Shall
I wait, because
they don’t speak,
because they
stand still, and
answer no more?
17 I also will
answer my part,
and I also will
show my opinion.
18 For
I am full of
words.
The spirit within
me constrains me.
19 Behold,
my breast is as
wine which has
no vent;
like new
wineskins it
is ready to burst.
20 I will
speak, that I may
be refreshed.
I will open my
lips and answer.
21 Please don’t
let me respect
any man’s person,
neither will I
give flattering titles
to any man.
22 For
I don’t know how
to give flattering
titles,
or else my
Maker would soon
take me away.