Job 32 CEB

Introduction of Elihu

1 These three men stopped answering Job because he thought he was righteous.

2 Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite from the clan of Ram was angry, angry with Job because he considered himself more righteous than God.

3 He was also angry with his three friends because they hadn’t found an answer but nevertheless thought Job wicked.

4 Elihu had waited while Job spoke, for they were older than he.

5 When Elihu saw that there had been no response in the speeches of the three men, he became very angry.

Elihu’s justification for speaking

6 Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said:I’m young and you’re old,so I held back, afraid to express my opinion to you.

7 I thought, Let days speak;let multiple years make wisdom known.

8 But the spirit in a person,the Almighty’s breath, gives understanding.

9 The advanced in days aren’t wise;the old don’t understand what’s right.

10 Therefore, I say: "Listen to me;I’ll state my view, even I."

11 Look, I waited while you spoke,listened while you reasoned,while you searched for words.

12 I was attentive to you,but you offered no rebuke to Job,no answer from you for his words.

13 Be careful you don’t say, "We’ve found wisdom;God, not a person, will defeat him."

14 Now Job hasn’t addressed me,and I won’t quote you to him.

15 They are troubled, no longer answer;words now escape them.

16 I waited, but they didn’t speak,for they stood but answered no more.

17 I will answer. Indeed, I will state my piece;I too will declare my view,

18 for I’m full of words.The spirit in my belly compels me.

19 Look, my belly is like unopened wine;like new wineskins it will burst.

20 I will speak and get relief;I will open my lips and respond.

21 I won’t be partial to anyone,won’t flatter a person;

22 for I don’t know flattery;otherwise my maker would quickly whisk me away.

Chapters

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