The Speeches of Elihu
(32.1—37.24)1 Because Job was convinced of his own innocence, the three men gave up trying to answer him. 2 But a bystander named Elihu could not control his anger any longer, because Job was justifying himself and blaming God. (Elihu was the son of Barakel, a descendant of Buz, and belonged to the clan of Ram.) 3 He was also angry with Job's three friends. They could not find any way to answer Job, and this made it appear that God was in the wrong. 4 Because Elihu was the youngest one there, he had waited until everyone finished speaking. 5 When he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he was angry 6 and began to speak.
Elihu
I am young, and you are old,
so I was afraid to tell you what I think.
7 I told myself that you ought to speak,
that you older men should share your wisdom.
8 But it is the spirit of Almighty God
that comes to us and gives us wisdom.
9 It is not growing old that makes us wise
or helps us to know what is right.
10 So now I want you to listen to me;
let me tell you what I think.
11 I listened patiently while you were speaking
and waited while you searched for wise phrases.
12 I paid close attention and heard you fail;
you have not disproved what Job has said.
13 How can you claim you have discovered wisdom?
God must answer Job, for you have failed.
14 Job was speaking to you, not to me,
but I would never answer the way you did.
15 Words have failed them, Job;
they have no answer for you.
16 Shall I go on waiting when they are silent?
They stand there with nothing more to say.
17 No, I will give my own answer now
and tell you what I think.
18 I can hardly wait to speak.
I can't hold back the words.
19 If I don't get a chance to speak,
I will burst like a wineskin full of new wine.
20 I can't stand it; I have to speak.
21 I will not take sides in this debate;
I am not going to flatter anyone.
22 I don't know how to flatter,
and God would quickly punish me if I did.
1 So these three men ceased to answere Iob, because he esteemed himselfe iust. 2 Then the wrath of Elihu the sonne of Barachel the Buzite, of the familie of Ram, was kindled: his wrath, I say, was kindled against Iob, because he iustified himselfe more then God. 3 Also his anger was kindled against his three friends, because they could not finde an answere, and yet condemned Iob. 4 (Now Elihu had wayted til Iob had spoken: for they were more ancient in yeeres then he) 5 So when Elihu saw, that there was none answere in the mouth of the three men, his wrath was kindled. 6 Therefore Elihu the sonne of Barachel, the Buzite answered, and sayd, I am yong in yeres, and ye are ancient: therefore I doubted, and was afraide to shewe you mine opinion. 7 For I said, The dayes shall speake, and the multitude of yeeres shall teach wisedome. 8 Surely there is a spirite in man, but the inspiration of the Almightie giueth vnderstanding. 9 Great men are not alway wise, neither doe the aged alway vnderstand iudgement. 10 Therefore I say, Heare me, and I will shew also mine opinion. 11 Behold, I did waite vpon your wordes, and hearkened vnto your knowledge, whiles you sought out reasons. 12 Yea, when I had considered you, lo, there was none of you that reproued Iob, nor answered his wordes: 13 Lest ye should say, We haue found wisedome: for God hath cast him downe, and no man. 14 Yet hath he not directed his words to me, neyther will I answere him by your wordes. 15 Then they fearing, answered no more, but left off their talke. 16 When I had wayted (for they spake not, but stood still and answered no more) 17 Then answered I in my turne, and I shewed mine opinion. 18 For I am full of matter, and the spirite within me compelleth me. 19 Beholde, my belly is as the wine, which hath no vent, and like the new bottels that brast. 20 Therefore will I speake, that I may take breath: I will open my lippes, and will answere. 21 I will not now accept the person of man, neyther will I giue titles to man. 22 For I may not giue titles, lest my Maker should take me away suddenly.