1So the three men stopped answering Job, because he thought he was right.2But Elihu the Buzite was very angry with Job. That’s because Job said he himself was right instead of God. Elihu was the son of Barakel. He was from the family of Ram.3Elihu was also very angry with Job’s three friends. They hadn’t found any way to prove that Job was wrong. But they still said he was guilty.4Elihu had waited before he spoke to Job. That’s because the others were older than he was.5But he saw that the three men didn’t have anything more to say. So he was very angry.6Elihu the Buzite, the son of Barakel, said, ‘I’m young, and you are old. So I was afraid to tell you what I know.7I thought, “Those who are older should speak first. Those who have lived for many years should teach people how to be wise.”8But the spirit in people gives them understanding. The breath of the Mighty One gives them wisdom.9Older people aren’t the only ones who are wise. They aren’t the only ones who understand what is right.10‘So I’m saying you should listen to me. I’ll tell you what I know.11I waited while you men spoke. I listened to your reasoning. While you were searching for words,12I paid careful attention to you. But not one of you has proved that Job is wrong. None of you has answered his arguments.13Don’t claim, “We have enough wisdom to answer Job.” Let God, not a mere man, prove that he’s wrong.14Job hasn’t directed his words against me. I won’t answer him with your arguments.15‘Job, these men are afraid. They don’t have anything else to say. They’ve run out of words.16Do I have to keep on waiting, now that they are silent? They are just standing there with nothing to say.17I too have something to say. I too will tell what I know.18I’m full of words. My spirit inside me forces me to speak.19Inside I’m like wine that is bottled up. I’m like new wineskins ready to burst.20I must speak so I can feel better. I must open my mouth and reply.21I’ll treat everyone the same. I won’t praise anyone without meaning it.22If I weren’t honest when I praised people, my Maker would soon take me from this life.
Job 32
English Standard Version
Elihu Rebukes Job’s Three Friends
1So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. (Job 33:9)2Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. (Ge 22:21; Job 4:17; Job 34:5; Job 35:2; Job 40:8; Jer 25:23)3He burned with anger also at Job’s three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. (Job 8:6; Job 22:5)4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he.5And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.6And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: “I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you. (Job 15:10)7I said, ‘Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.’8But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. (Ge 2:7; 1Ki 3:12; 1Ki 4:29; Job 33:4; Job 34:14; Job 35:11; Job 38:36; Job 39:17; Pr 2:6; Ec 2:26; Da 1:17; Da 2:21; Jas 1:5)9It is not the old[1] who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right. (Job 12:20; Mt 11:25; 1Co 1:26)10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; let me also declare my opinion.’11“Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your wise sayings, while you searched out what to say.12I gave you my attention, and, behold, there was none among you who refuted Job or who answered his words.13Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not a man.’ (Jer 9:23)14He has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your speeches.15“They are dismayed; they answer no more; they have not a word to say.16And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more?17I also will answer with my share; I also will declare my opinion.18For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.19Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins ready to burst. (Jos 9:4; Mt 9:17)20I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. (1Sa 16:23; Ps 39:3)21I will not show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person. (Le 19:15)22For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away.