Job 32:1-22
32 So these three men stopped trying to answer Job, because he was convinced of his own righteousness.*+
2 But E·liʹhu the son of Barʹa·chel the Buzʹite+ of the family of Ram had become very angry. His anger blazed against Job for trying to prove himself* right rather than God.+
3 He was also very angry with Job’s three companions because they could not find an answer but had declared God wicked.+
4 E·liʹhu had been waiting to respond to Job, because they were older than he was.+
5 When E·liʹhu saw that the three men had nothing to say in answer, his anger flared up.
6 So E·liʹhu the son of Barʹa·chel the Buzʹite began to speak, saying:
“I am young*And you men are aged.+
So I respectfully held back,+And I dared not tell you what I know.
7 I thought, ‘Let age* speak,And let a multitude of years declare wisdom.’
8 But it is the spirit in people,The breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.+
9 Age alone does not* make one wise,Nor is it only old men who understand what is right.+
10 So I say, ‘Listen to me,And I will also tell you what I know.’
11 Look! I have waited for your words;I kept listening to your reasoning+As you searched for things to say.+
12 I paid close attention to you,But none of you could prove Job wrong*Or answer his arguments.
13 So do not say, ‘We have found wisdom;It is God who refutes him, not a man.’
14 He did not direct his words against me,So I will not reply to him with your arguments.
15 They are dismayed, they have no more answers;They have nothing left to say.
16 I have waited, but they do not continue speaking;They just stand there, with no further answer.
17 So I too will give an answer;I too will tell what I know,
18 For I am full of words;The spirit within me compels me.
19 My insides are like wine that has no vent,Like new wineskins ready to burst.+
20 Let me speak so that I can find relief!
I will open my lips and give an answer.
21 I will not show partiality to anyone;+Nor will I flatter* any human,
22 For I do not know how to flatter;If I did, my Maker would quickly do away with me.
Footnotes
^ Or “because he was righteous in his own eyes.”
^ Or “his soul.”
^ Lit., “small in days.”
^ Lit., “days.”
^ Or “Many days alone do not.”
^ Or “reprove Job.”
^ Or “confer an honorary title to.”
