1So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.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.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.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.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.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.15They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.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.19Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.20I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.21Let me not, I pray you, accept any man' 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.
Job 32
English Standard Version
Elihu Rebukes Job’s Three Friends
1So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. (Job 33:9)2Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. (Ge 22:21; Job 4:17; Job 34:5; Job 35:2; Job 40:8; Jer 25:23)3He burned with anger also at Job’s three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. (Job 8:6; Job 22:5)4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he.5And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.6And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: “I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you. (Job 15:10)7I said, ‘Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.’8But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. (Ge 2:7; 1Ki 3:12; 1Ki 4:29; Job 33:4; Job 34:14; Job 35:11; Job 38:36; Job 39:17; Pr 2:6; Ec 2:26; Da 1:17; Da 2:21; Jas 1:5)9It is not the old[1] who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right. (Job 12:20; Mt 11:25; 1Co 1:26)10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; let me also declare my opinion.’11“Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your wise sayings, while you searched out what to say.12I gave you my attention, and, behold, there was none among you who refuted Job or who answered his words.13Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not a man.’ (Jer 9:23)14He has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your speeches.15“They are dismayed; they answer no more; they have not a word to say.16And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more?17I also will answer with my share; I also will declare my opinion.18For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.19Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins ready to burst. (Jos 9:4; Mt 9:17)20I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. (1Sa 16:23; Ps 39:3)21I will not show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person. (Le 19:15)22For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away.