Elihu: Finally Speaks
Job 32So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God. Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were elder than he. When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.
Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered,
“I am young, and y’all are very old. Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare share my opinion with y’all. I said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’ But there is a spirit in person, and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding. It is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice. Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me; I also will share my opinion.’“Look, I waited for y’all’s words, and I listened to y’all’s reasoning, while y’all searched for what to say. Yes, I gave y’all my full attention, but there was no one who convinced Job, or who answered his words among y’all. So y’all must not say, ‘We have found wisdom. God will refute him, not a man.’ For Job has not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with y’all’s speeches.
“They are amazed. They answer no more. They don’t have a word to say. Should I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more? I also will answer my part, and I also will show my opinion. For I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains me. See, my breast is like wine which has no vent; like new wineskins it is ready to burst. I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer. I won’t show partiality to anyone, or give flattering titles to anyone. For I don’t know how to give flattering titles, or else my Maker would soon take me away.