Elihu
1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. 3He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.32:3 Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition Job, and so had condemned God 4Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. 5But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
6So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said:
“I am young in years,
and you are old;
that is why I was fearful,
not daring to tell you what I know.
7I thought, ‘Age should speak;
advanced years should teach wisdom.’
8But it is the spirit32:8 Or Spirit; also in verse 18 in a person,
the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
9It is not only the old32:9 Or many; or great who are wise,
not only the aged who understand what is right.
10“Therefore I say: Listen to me;
I too will tell you what I know.
11I waited while you spoke,
I listened to your reasoning;
while you were searching for words,
12I gave you my full attention.
But not one of you has proved Job wrong;
none of you has answered his arguments.
13Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom;
let God, not a man, refute him.’
14But Job has not marshaled his words against me,
and I will not answer him with your arguments.
15“They are dismayed and have no more to say;
words have failed them.
16Must I wait, now that they are silent,
now that they stand there with no reply?
17I too will have my say;
I too will tell what I know.
18For I am full of words,
and the spirit within me compels me;
19inside I am like bottled-up wine,
like new wineskins ready to burst.
20I must speak and find relief;
I must open my lips and reply.
21I will show no partiality,
nor will I flatter anyone;
22for if I were skilled in flattery,
my Maker would soon take me away.
1So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.32.1 to…: Heb. from answering 2Then 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.32.2 himself: Heb. his soul 3Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 4Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.32.4 waited…: Heb. expected Job in words32.4 elder: Heb. elder for days 5When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
6And 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.32.6 young: Heb. few of days32.6 durst…: Heb. feared 7I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. 8But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 9Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. 10Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion. 11Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.32.11 reasons: Heb. understandings32.11 what…: Heb. words 12Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: 13Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man. 14Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.32.14 directed: or, ordered
15They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.32.15 left…: Heb. removed speeches from themselves 16When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) 17I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion. 18For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.32.18 matter: Heb. words32.18 spirit…: Heb. spirit of my belly 19Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.32.19 hath…: Heb. is not opened 20I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.32.20 be…: Heb. breathe 21Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. 22For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
