Job 32

Revised Geneva Translation

32 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he esteemed himself just.

² Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the [b]Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled. His wrath was kindled against Job, because he justified himself more than God.

³ Also, his anger was kindled against his three friends, because they could not find an answer, yet condemned Job.

⁴ (Now Elihu had waited until Job had spoken. For they were older than he.)

⁵ So when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, his wrath was kindled.

⁶ Therefore, Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said, “I am young in years, and you are ancient. Therefore, I doubted and was afraid to show you my opinion.

⁷ “I said, ‘The days shall speak. And the multitude of years shall teach wisdom.’

⁸ “Surely, there is a spirit in man. But the inspiration of the Almighty gives understanding.

⁹ “Men of many years may not be wise, nor might the aged understand judgment.

¹⁰ “Therefore, I say, hear me. I will show my opinion also.

¹¹ “Behold, I waited upon your words, listened to your knowledge, while you sought out reasons.

¹² “Yea, when I had considered you, lo, there were none of you that reproved Job, nor answered his words.

¹³ “Lest you would say, ‘We have found wisdom. God has cast him down, not man.’

¹⁴ “Still, he has not directed his words to me. Nor will I answer him by your words.”

¹⁵ “They, fearing, answered no more, but left off their talk.

¹⁶ “When I had waited (for they did not speak, but stood still and answered no more),

¹⁷ “I answered in my turn, and I showed my opinion.

¹⁸ “For I am full of matter. The spirit within me compels me.

¹⁹ “Behold, my belly is as the wine which has no vent, like the new bottles that burst.

²⁰ “I will speak, so that I may take breath. I will open my lips and will answer.

²¹ “I will not, now, accept the person of any man, nor will I give titles to man.

²² “For I may not give titles, lest my Maker should take me away suddenly.”