Chapter 32

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