Job 32

1So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.footnote a

2Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.footnote b

3Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

4Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.footnote cfootnote d

5When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.

6And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.footnote efootnote f

7I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

8But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

9Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

10Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

11Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.footnote gfootnote h

12Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

14Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.footnote i

15They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.footnote j

16When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

17I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

18For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.footnote kfootnote l

19Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.footnote m

20I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.footnote n

21Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

22For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends

1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

2This 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, 3and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.

4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. 5But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. 6So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared:“I am young in years,while you are old;that is why I was timid and afraidto tell you what I know. 7I thought that age should speak,and many years should teach wisdom. 8But there is a spiritfootnote ain a man,the breath of the Almighty,that gives him understanding. 9It is not only the oldfootnote bwho are wise,or the elderly who understand justice. 10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;I too will declare what I know.’

11Indeed, I waited while you spoke;I listened to your reasoning;as you searched for words, 12I paid you full attention.But no one proved Job wrong;not one of you rebutted his arguments. 13So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom;let God, not man, refute him.’ 14But Job has not directed his words against me,and I will not answer him with your arguments.

15Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say;words have escaped them. 16Must I wait, now that they are silent,now that they stand and no longer reply? 17I too will answer;yes, I will declare what I know. 18For I am full of words,and my spirit within me compels me. 19Behold, my belly is like unvented wine;it is about to burst like a new wineskin. 20I must speak and find relief;I must open my lips and respond. 21I will be partial to no one,nor will I flatter any man. 22For I do not know how to flatter,or my Maker would remove me in an instant.