JobChapter 32

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¹So these three men stopped answering Job, because Job thought he was right in his own eyes. ²This made Elihu very angry. He was the son of Barachel the Buzite, from the family of Ram. He burned with anger at Job, because Job said he was right instead of saying God was right. ³He also burned with anger at Job's three friends. They had not been able to prove Job wrong, but they still said he was guilty. ⁴Elihu had waited before speaking to Job, because the others were older than he was. ⁵But he saw that the three men had nothing more to say. Then he became angry. ⁶So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said,
"I am young, and you are old.
That is why I was shy.
I was afraid to tell you what I know. ⁷I thought, 'Older people should speak.
Those who have lived many years should teach wisdom.' ⁸But there is a spirit in a person.
The breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. ⁹It is not only old people who are wise.
It is not only the aged who understand what is fair. ¹⁰So I say, 'Listen to me.
I will also tell you what I know.' ¹¹I waited while you spoke.
I listened to your reasons
while you looked for words to say. ¹²I paid close attention to you.
But none of you proved Job wrong.
Not one of you answered what he said. ¹³So don't say, 'We have found wisdom.
Let God prove him wrong, not man.' ¹⁴Job has not aimed his words at me.
And I will not answer him the way you did. ¹⁵Job's friends are upset and have nothing more to say.
They have run out of words. ¹⁶Must I keep waiting now that they are quiet?
They just stand there and don't answer anymore. ¹⁷I will also give my answer.
Yes, I will tell what I know. ¹⁸I am full of words.
The spirit inside me pushes me to speak. ¹⁹Inside, I am like wine that has no air hole.
I am about to burst like a new wineskin. ²⁰I must speak so I can feel better.
I must open my mouth and answer. ²¹I will not take anyone's side.
I will not say nice things to please anyone. ²²I don't know how to flatter people.
If I did, my Maker would quickly take me away.