Job 32 — AAB
Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends
32Verse 1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.Verse 2This 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,Verse 3and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.Verse 4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he.Verse 5But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled.Verse 6So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared:“I am young in years,while you are old;that is why I was timid and afraidto tell you what I know.Verse 7I thought that age should speak,and many years should teach wisdom.Verse 8But there is a spirit+in a man,the breath of the Almighty,
that gives him understanding.Verse 9It is not only the old+who are wise,or the elderly who understand justice.Verse 10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;I too will declare what I know.’Verse 11Indeed, I waited while you spoke;I listened to your reasoning;as you searched for words,Verse 12I paid you full attention.But no one proved Job wrong;not one of you rebutted his arguments.Verse 13So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom;let God, not man, refute him.’Verse 14But Job has not directed his words against me,and I will not answer him with your arguments.Verse 15Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say;words have escaped them.Verse 16Must I wait, now that they are silent,now that they stand and no longer reply?Verse 17I too will answer;yes, I will declare what I know.Verse 18For I am full of words,and my spirit within me compels me.Verse 19Behold, my belly is like unvented wine;it is about to burst like a new wineskin.Verse 20I must speak and find relief;I must open my lips and respond.Verse 21I will be partial to no one,nor will I flatter any man.Verse 22For I do not know how to flatter,or my Maker would remove me in an instant.