JOB 32
Elihu Rebukes Job’s Three Friends
[1] So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. [2] Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. [3] He burned with anger also at Job’s three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared 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 aged;
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 the spirit in man,
the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.
[9] It is not the old 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 lest 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 wineskins ready to burst.
[20] I must speak, that I may find relief;
I must open my lips and answer.
[21] I will not show 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. (ESV)
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