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 clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry with Job because Job made himself out to be in the right rather than God. 3He was also angry with his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet they had declared Job guilty. 4Elihu had waited before speaking to Job, because the others were older than he was. 5When Elihu saw that the three men had no answer left, he became angry.

6Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answered: I am young in years, and you are old; so I held back and was afraid to tell you what I know. 7I thought, Let age speak, and let those with many years teach wisdom. 8But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives understanding. 9It is not the aged who are wise, nor the old who understand what is right. 10So I say, Listen to me; let me also tell you what I know. 11Look, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your arguments while you searched for what to say. 12I paid close attention to you, but not one of you refuted Job or answered his words. 13Do not say, We have found wisdom: let God refute him, not a human being. 14Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. 15They are dismayed and answer no more; they have run out of words. 16Must I wait because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more? 17I too will give my answer; I too will tell what I know. 18For I am full of words; the spirit within me drives me on. 19Look, inside I am like wine with no vent; like new wineskins, I am ready to burst. 20I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and answer. 21I will not take anyone’s side, nor flatter any human being. 22For I do not know how to flatter; if I did, my Maker would soon carry me away.