The Book of Job

⭑ Berean Study Bible :: World English Bible Catholic ⭑

- Chapter 32 -

Elihu contradicts Job's friends

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

This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God,

and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.

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

But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled.

So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.

I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.

But there is a spirit

(a)

in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

It is not only the old

(b)

who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.

Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’

Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words,

I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments.

So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’

But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.

Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them.

Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?

I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.

For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.

Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin.

I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.

I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man.

For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.

Footnotes

(a)32:8 Or the Spirit; also in verse 18

(b)32:9 Or many or great

Elihu contradicts Job's friends

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God.

Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

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

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.

Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, “I am young, and you are very old. Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare show you my opinion.

I said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’

But there is a spirit in man, and the Spirit

(a)

of the Almighty gives them understanding.

It is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.

Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.’

“Behold, I waited for your words, and I listened for your reasoning, while you searched out what to say.

Yes, I gave you my full attention, but there was no one who convinced Job, or who answered his words, among you.

Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom. God may refute him, not man;’

for he has not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches.

“They are amazed. They answer no more. They don’t have a word to say.

Shall I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?

I also will answer my part, and I also will show my opinion.

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

Behold, my breast is as wine which has no vent; like new wineskins it is ready to burst.

I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.

Please don’t let me respect any man’s person, neither will I give flattering titles to any man.

For I don’t know how to give flattering titles, or else my Maker would soon take me away.

Footnotes

(a)32:8 or, breath