Job 32
32
Elihu Speaks
1These three men stopped answering Job. This is because Job was so sure he was right. 2But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite became very angry with Job. (Elihu was from the family of Ram.) He was angry because Job claimed he was right instead of God. 3Elihu was also angry with Job’s three friends. They had no answer to show that Job was wrong. And yet they continued to blame him. 4Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job. This is because the three friends were older than he was. 5But when Elihu saw that the three men had nothing more to say, he became very angry.
6So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said this:
“I am young,
and you are old.
That is why 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 it is the spirit in a person that gives him understanding.
It is the breath of God All-Powerful in him.
9It is not just older people who are wise.
Older people are not the only ones who understand what is right.
10So I say, listen to me!
I will also tell you what I know.
11I waited while you spoke.
I listened to your explanations.
I waited while you looked for words to use.
12I paid close attention to you.
But not one of you has proved Job wrong.
Not one of you has answered his arguments.
13Don’t you say, ‘We have found wisdom.
Only God will show Job to be wrong, not people.’
14Job has not spoken his words against me.
So I will not use your arguments to answer Job.
15“These three friends are defeated and have no more to say.
Words have failed them.
16Now they are standing there with no answer for Job.
Now that they are quiet, must I wait to speak?
17No, I also will speak.
I will also tell what I know.
18I am full of words.
And the spirit in me causes me to speak.
19I am like wine that has been bottled up.
I am ready to burst like a new leather bag for holding wine.
20I must speak. Then I will feel relief.
I must open my mouth and answer.
21I will be fair to everyone.
I will not flatter anyone.
22I don’t know how to flatter.
If I did, God, my Maker, would quickly take me away.
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Job 32: ICB
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