NIV Job 32 Chapter
32:1
So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
32:2
But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.
32:3
He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.
32:4
Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.
32:5
But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
32:6
So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: "I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know.
32:7
I thought, `Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.
32:8
'But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
32:9
It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.
32:10
"Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know.
32:11
I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words,
32:12
I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.
32:13
Do not say, `We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not man.
32:14
'But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
32:15
"They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them.
32:16
Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?
32:17
I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know.
32:18
For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
32:19
inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.
32:20
I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.
32:21
I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter any man;
32:22
for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.