God's New Bible

The Book of Job

King James Version 1769 including Apocrypha

- Chapter 32 -

Elihu contradicts Job's friends

1
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.(a)
2
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.(b)
3
Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.(c) (d)
5
When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
6
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.(e) (f)
7
I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
9
Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
10
Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
11
Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.(g) (h)
12
Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
13
Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
14
Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.(i)
15
They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.(j)
16
When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
17
I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
18
For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.(k) (l)
19
Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.(m)
20
I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.(n)
21
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
22
For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

Footnotes

(a)32:1 to…: Heb. from answering
(b)32:2 himself: Heb. his soul
(c)32:4 waited…: Heb. expected Job in words
(d)32:4 elder: Heb. elder for days
(e)32:6 young: Heb. few of days
(f)32:6 durst…: Heb. feared
(g)32:11 reasons: Heb. understandings
(h)32:11 what…: Heb. words
(i)32:14 directed: or, ordered
(j)32:15 left…: Heb. removed speeches from themselves
(k)32:18 matter: Heb. words
(l)32:18 spirit…: Heb. spirit of my belly
(m)32:19 hath…: Heb. is not opened
(n)32:20 be…: Heb. breathe