Job 32

Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends

1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, who burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God. 3 And his anger burned against Job’s three friends, because they had failed to refute [Job] , and yet had condemned him. ^{▼▼MT; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition and thus had condemned God} 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. 5 But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was aroused. 6 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. 7 I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom. 8 But [there is] a spirit ^{▼▼Or the Spirit; also in verse 18} in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. 9 It is not only the old ^{▼▼Or many or great} who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice. 10 Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me. I too will declare what I know.’ 11 Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words, 12 I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments. 13 So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’ 14 But Job has not directed [his] words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. 15 Job’s friends are dismayed and have no more to say; words have escaped them. 16 Must I wait now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply? 17 I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know. 18 For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. 19 Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. 20 I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond. 21 I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man. 22 For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.