Job 32

Elihu Begins to Speak, Criticizing Job and His Friends.

2 min read

1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
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.
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.
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 you are very old; why I was afraid, and dared not show you my opinion.
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 gives them understanding.
9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
10 Therefore I said, Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.
11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst you searched out what to say.
12 Yes, I attended to you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
13 Lest you should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusts him down, not man.
14 Now he has not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
16 When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will show my opinion.
18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constrains me.
19 Behold, my belly is as wine which has no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles to man.
22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
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