Job 32

Elihu Gets Fired Up

1 So Job’s three friends stopped answering him, because he kept claiming he was righteous.

2 But Elihu, son of Barakel the Buzite, from the family of Ram, got heated. He was mad at Job for justifying himself instead of God.

3 He was also mad at Job’s three friends because they could not refute Job, yet still condemned him.

4 Elihu had waited to speak because they were older than him.

5 But when he saw those three had nothing left to say, his anger burned hot.

Elihu Begins to Speak

6 Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said:

“I Am Young, and You All Are Old, So I Was Shy and Scared to Tell You What I Think.

7 I thought, ‘Age should speak; the years of life should teach wisdom.’

8 But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives understanding.

9 Great men are not always wise; the old do not always understand justice.

10 So I say, ‘Listen to me, I will share what I know.’

Elihu Critiques the Friends

11 I waited while you all spoke, listened to your reasoning, while you searched for words.

12 I paid close attention, but not one of you proved Job wrong or answered his words.

13 So do not say, ‘We found wisdom; God, not man, will refute him.’

14 Job has not directed his words against me, so I will not answer him with your weak arguments.

Elihu Cannot Stay Quiet

15 They are dismayed, got nothing else to say; their words dried up.

16 Should I keep waiting since they are quiet, standing there with no reply,

17 Nah, I am going to have my turn too; I got something to say.

18 I am full of words, the spirit inside me is pressing me hard.

19 I am like wine in a sealed bottle, ready to burst open.

20 I must speak so I can breathe; I will open my lips and reply.

21 I will not play favorites, will not flatter any man.

22 For I do not know how to flatter, if I did, my Maker would shut me down quick.”