Job

The book of Job, chapter 32, New English Translation and King James Version

Chapter 32 New English Translation

V. The Speeches of Elihu (32:1-37:24)

Elihu's First Speech

   1 So these three men refused to answer Job further, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry. He was angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. 3 With Job's three friends he was also angry, because they could not find an answer, and so declared Job guilty. 4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job, because the others were older than he was. 5 But when Elihu saw that the three men had no further reply, he became very angry.

Elihu Claims Wisdom

   6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: "I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful, and afraid to explain to you what I know.
   7 I said to myself, 'Age should speak, and length of years should make wisdom known.'
   8 But it is a spirit in people, the breath of the Almighty, that makes them understand.
   9 It is not the aged who are wise, nor old men who understand what is right.
   10 Therefore I say, 'Listen to me. I, even I, will explain what I know.'
   11 Look, I waited for you to speak; I listened closely to your wise thoughts, while you were searching for words.
   12 Now I was paying you close attention, yet there was no one proving Job wrong, not one of you was answering his statements!
   13 So do not say, 'We have found wisdom! God will refute him, not man!'
   14 Job has not directed his words to me, and so I will not reply to him with your arguments.

Job's Friends Failed to Answer

   15 "They are dismayed and cannot answer any more; they have nothing left to say.
   16 And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more,
   17 I too will answer my part, I too will explain what I know.
   18 For I am full of words, and the spirit within me constrains me.
   19 Inside I am like wine which has no outlet, like new wineskins ready to burst!
   20 I will speak, so that I may find relief; I will open my lips, so that I may answer.
   21 I will not show partiality to anyone, nor will I confer a title on any man.
   22 for I do not know how to give honorary titles, if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.

King James Version

   1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
   2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
   3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
   4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
   5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
   6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
   7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
   8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
   9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
   10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
   11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
   12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
   13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
   14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
   15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
   16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
   17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
   18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
   19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
   20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
   21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
   22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.