Job 32:1-22

  • Young Elihu enters the discussion (1-22)

    • Angry with Job and Job’s companions (2, 3)

    • Waited respectfully before speaking (6, 7)

    • Age alone does not make one wise (9)

    • Elihu eager to speak (18-20)

32  So these three men stopped trying to answer Job, because he was convinced of his own righteousness.*+ 2  But E·liʹhu the son of Barʹa·chel the Buzʹite+ of the family of Ram had become very angry. His anger blazed against Job for trying to prove himself* right rather than God.+ 3  He was also very angry with Job’s three companions because they could not find an answer but had declared God wicked.+ 4  E·liʹhu had been waiting to respond to Job, because they were older than he was.+ 5  When E·liʹhu saw that the three men had nothing to say in answer, his anger flared up. 6  So E·liʹhu the son of Barʹa·chel the Buzʹite began to speak, saying: “I am young*And you men are aged.+ So I respectfully held back,+And I dared not tell you what I know.  7  I thought, ‘Let age* speak,And let a multitude of years declare wisdom.’  8  But it is the spirit in people,The breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.+  9  Age alone does not* make one wise,Nor is it only old men who understand what is right.+ 10  So I say, ‘Listen to me,And I will also tell you what I know.’ 11  Look! I have waited for your words;I kept listening to your reasoning+As you searched for things to say.+ 12  I paid close attention to you,But none of you could prove Job wrong*Or answer his arguments. 13  So do not say, ‘We have found wisdom;It is God who refutes him, not a man.’ 14  He did not direct his words against me,So I will not reply to him with your arguments. 15  They are dismayed, they have no more answers;They have nothing left to say. 16  I have waited, but they do not continue speaking;They just stand there, with no further answer. 17  So I too will give an answer;I too will tell what I know, 18  For I am full of words;The spirit within me compels me. 19  My insides are like wine that has no vent,Like new wineskins ready to burst.+ 20  Let me speak so that I can find relief! I will open my lips and give an answer. 21  I will not show partiality to anyone;+Nor will I flatter* any human, 22  For I do not know how to flatter;If I did, my Maker would quickly do away with me.

Footnotes

^ Or “because he was righteous in his own eyes.”
^ Or “his soul.”
^ Lit., “small in days.”
^ Lit., “days.”
^ Or “Many days alone do not.”
^ Or “reprove Job.”
^ Or “confer an honorary title to.”