Job 32:4-22 ▼

4 Now Elihu had waited with his words for Job because they were years older than he.

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

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

7 I thought age should speak, And increased years should make wisdom known.

8 But it is a spirit in man, 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 my knowledge.’

11 “Behold, I waited for your words, I gave ear to your reasonings, While you searched out what to say.

12 I even carefully considered you; And behold, there was no one who reproved Job, Not one of you who answered his words.

13 Lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom; God will drive him away, not man.’

14 Now he has not arranged his words against me, Nor will I respond to him with your words.

15 “They are dismayed; they no longer answer; Words have moved away from them.

16 Shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stand still and no longer answer?

17 I myself will also answer my share; I also will tell my knowledge.

18 For I am full of words; The spirit within my belly presses me.

19 Behold, my belly is like unvented wine, not opened; Like new wineskins it is about to burst.

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

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

22 For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon carry me away.