Job 32:4-22 ▼

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

5 But when he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he became angry.

6 So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite replied: I am young in years, while you are old; therefore I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.

7 I thought that age should speak and maturity should teach wisdom.

8 But it is the spirit in a person— the breath from the Almighty— that gives anyone understanding.

9 It is not only the old who are wise or the elderly who understand how to judge.

10 Therefore I say, “Listen to me. I too will declare what I know.”

11 Look, I waited for your conclusions; I listened to your insights as you sought for words.

12 I paid close attention to you. Yet no one proved Job wrong; not one of you refuted his arguments.

13 So do not claim, “We have found wisdom; let God deal with him, not man.”

14 But Job has not directed his argument to me, and I will not respond to him with your arguments.

15 Job’s friends are dismayed and can no longer answer; words have left them.

16 Should I continue to wait now that they are silent, now that they stand there and no longer answer?

17 I too will answer; yes, I will tell what I know.

18 For I am full of words, and my spirit compels me to speak.

19 My heart is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like new wineskins.

20 I must speak so that I can find relief; I must open my lips and respond.

21 I will be partial to no one, and I will not give anyone an undeserved title.

22 For I do not know how to give such titles; otherwise, my Maker would remove me in an instant.