Job 32

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

2Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, from the family of Ram, burned with anger against Job; his anger burned because Job justified himself rather than God.

3And his anger burned against his three friends because they had found no answer, yet had condemned Job.

4Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he was.

5When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, his anger burned.

6Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite answered and said, “I am young, and you are old; therefore I held back and was afraid to tell you what I know.”

7I thought, ‘Age should speak, and many years should make wisdom known.’

8But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

9It is not the great who are wise, nor the old who understand judgment.

10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will tell what I know.’

11Look, I waited for your words; I listened to your insights as you searched for words.

12I paid close attention to you, and look, there was no one among you to refute Job, to answer his words.

13Do not say, “We have found wisdom; God will drive him away, not man.”

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

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

16And I waited, but they did not speak; they had stopped and answered no more.

17I too will answer for my part; I too will declare my knowledge.

18For I am full of words; the spirit in my belly presses me.

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

20I will speak, that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer.

21Please, let me not show partiality to any man, nor give anyone a flattering title.

22For I do not know how to give flattering titles; for my Maker would soon take me away.