Job 32:1-16 ▼

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?