Job 32 (New International Version)

Job 32

Elihu

1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. 3 He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. [a] 4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. 5 But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: "I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know.

7 I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.'

8 But it is the spirit [b] in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

9 It is not only the old [c] who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.

10 "Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know.

11 I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words,

12 I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.

13 Do not say, 'We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not man.'

14 But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.

15 "They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them.

16 Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?

17 I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know.

18 For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;

19 inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.

20 I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.

21 I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter any man;

22 for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.

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