32:1 These three men gave up trying to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
32:2 So Elihu son of Barakel, the Buzite from the clan of Ram, burned with anger. His anger burned against Job because Job had justified himself rather than God.
32:3 His anger also burned against his three companions, because they had no answer for Job, but they nevertheless had condemned him.
32:4 Up to this point, Elihu had held back, and he had not spoken to Job, because the others were older and more experienced than he was.
32:5 When Elihu saw that the three men had no ready answer, his anger burned.
32:6 So Elihu son of Barakel, the Buzite, responded. He said: I am young and inexperienced, and you are aged. That is why I held back, and I was afraid to tell you what I know.
32:7 I thought that experience should speak. Many years should give a man wisdom.
32:8 However, it is the spirit in a man and the breath of the Almighty that give a man understanding.
32:9 It is not just the important men who are wise. The elderly are not the only ones who know how to judge cases.
32:10 That is why I now say, “Listen to me.” I will declare what I know—yes, I will.
32:11 Notice that I waited for you to finish your words. I have listened carefully to your conclusions. The whole time you were searching for the right words,
32:12 I paid attention to you. But look, not one of you showed Job that he was wrong or came up with an answer for Job.
32:13 So do not say, “We have found wisdom, but it is God, not a man, who will have to refute him.”
32:14 Job has not drawn up his speeches against me, so I will not respond to him with arguments like yours.
32:15 Those three are shattered. They no longer respond. They have run out of words.
32:16 I have waited patiently, but since they no longer speak, and they just stand there and do not answer anymore,
32:17 I will now respond with my contribution. I will now declare what I know,
32:18 for I am full of words. A wind in my belly is building up pressure.
32:19 My belly is like unvented wine. I am like a new wineskin ready to burst.
32:20 I intend to speak, so that I can find relief for myself. Let me open my lips and answer.
32:21 I will certainly not show favoritism to any man. I will not address any man with flattering titles,
32:22 because I do not know how to pass out flattering titles. If I did so, my Maker would quickly carry me away.
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