Job 32:1-21 ▼

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

2 But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned against Job; his anger burned because he justified himself before God.

3 And his anger burned against his three friends because they had found no answer, yet they had condemned Job.

4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were years older than he.

5 But when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, his anger burned.

6 So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think.

7 “I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom.

8 “But it is a spirit that is in mankind, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

9 “The abundant in years may not be wise, Nor may elders understand justice.

10 “So I say, ‘Listen to me, I too will tell what I think.’

11 “Behold, I waited for your words, I listened to your skillful speech, While you pondered what to say.

12 “I also paid close attention to you; But indeed, there was no one who refuted Job, Not one of you who answered his words.

13 “So do not say, ‘We have found wisdom: God will defeat him, not man.’

14 “But he has not presented his words against me, Nor will I reply to him with your arguments.

15 “They are dismayed, they no longer answer; Words have failed them.

16 “Should I wait, because they are not speaking, Because they have stopped and no longer answer?

17 “I too will give my share of answers; I also will tell my opinion.

18 “For I am full of words; The spirit within me compels me.

19 “Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; Like new wineskins, it is about to burst.

20 “Let me speak so that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer.

21 “Let me be partial to no one, Nor flatter any man.