Job 32

1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

2Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He was angry with Job because he justified himself rather than God.

3He was also angry with Job’s three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet they had condemned Job.

4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because the others were older than he was.

5But when Elihu saw that the three men had no answer in their mouths, his anger burned.

6So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answered: “I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I held back and was afraid to tell you what I know.

7I said, ‘Let age speak; let many years teach wisdom.’

8But it is the spirit in people, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.

9It is not the great who are wise, nor the elders who understand what is right.

10So I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’

11Look, I waited for your words; I listened for your insights while you searched for what to say.

12I gave you my full attention, but not one of you refuted Job; not one of you answered his arguments.

13Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom; let God defeat him, not a human being.’

14He has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.

15They are dismayed; they answer no more; words have deserted them.

16Must I wait, when they do not speak, when they stand there and answer no more?

17I too will give my answer; I too will declare what I know.

18For I am full of words; the spirit within me presses me on.

19Look, my belly is like wine with no vent; like new wineskins it is ready to burst.

20I must speak and find relief; I will open my lips and answer.

21I will not show partiality to anyone, and I will not flatter any person.

22For I do not know how to flatter; if I did, my Maker would soon carry me away.