Job 32:4-22 ▼

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

5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men, he burned with anger.

6 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite said, “I am young, and you are aged; For that reason I was anxious and dared not tell you what I think.

7 “I thought age should speak, And a multitude of years should teach wisdom.

8 “But there is [a vital force and] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

9 “Those [who are] abundant in years may not [always] be wise, Nor may the elders [always] understand justice.

10 “Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I also will give you my opinion [about Job’s situation] and tell you plainly what I think.’

11 “You see, I waited for your words, I listened to your [wise] reasons, While you pondered and searched out what to say.

12 “I even paid close attention to [what] you [said], Indeed, not one of you convinced Job [nor could you refute him], Not one of you supplied [satisfactory] answers to his words.

13 “Beware if you say, ‘We have found wisdom; God thrusts Job down [justly], not man [for God alone is dealing with him].’

14 “Now Job has not directed his words against me [therefore I have no reason to be offended], Nor will I answer him with arguments like yours. [I speak for truth, not for revenge.]

15 “They (Job’s friends) are dismayed and embarrassed, they no longer answer; The words have moved away and failed them,” [says Elihu].

16 “And shall I wait, because they say nothing, But stand still and say no more?

17 “I too will give my share of answers; I too will express my opinion and share my knowledge.

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

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

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

21 “I will not [I warn you] be partial to any man [that is, let my respect for you mitigate what I say]; Nor flatter any man.

22 “For I do not know how to flatter, [in an appropriate way, and I fear that], My Maker would soon take me away.