Elihu’s Angry Response

32 So these three men quit answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. r 2 Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite s from the family of Ram became angry. He was angry at Job because he had justified t himself rather than God. 3 He was also angry at Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute him and yet had condemned him. u

4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were all older than he. 5 But when he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he became angry.

6 So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite replied:

I am young in years,

while you are old;

therefore I was timid and afraid

to tell v you what I know.

7 I thought that age should speak

and maturity should teach wisdom.

8 But it is a spirit in man w

and the breath x of the * Almighty

that give him understanding.

9 It is not only the old who are wise

or the elderly who understand how to judge.

10 Therefore I say, “Listen to me.

I too will declare what I know.”

11 Look, I waited for your conclusions;

I listened to your insights

as you sought for words.

12 I paid close attention to you.

Yet no one proved Job wrong;

not one of you refuted his arguments.

13 So do not claim, “We have found wisdom;

let God deal with him, not man.”

14 But Job has not directed his argument to me,

and I will not respond to him with your arguments.

15 Job’s friends are dismayed and can no longer answer;

words have left them.

16 Should I continue to wait now that they are silent,

now that they stand there and no longer answer?

17 I too will answer; y

yes, I will tell what I know.

18 For I am full of words,

and my spirit z compels me to speak. a

19 My heart b is like unvented wine;

it is about to burst like new wineskins. c

20 I must speak so that I can find relief;

I must open my lips and respond.

21 I will be partial to no one, d

and I will not give anyone an undeserved title.

22 For I do not know how to give such titles;

otherwise, my Maker would remove me in an instant.