NET Bible

Elihu’s First Speech1

^32:1 So these three men refused to answer Job further, because he was righteous in his own eyes. ^32:2 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. ^32:3 With Job’s three friends he was also angry because they could not find an answer, and so declared Job guilty. ^32:4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because the others were older than he was. ^32:5 But when Elihu saw that the three men had no further reply, he became very angry.

Elihu Claims Wisdom

^32:6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up:

^32:6 “I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful and afraid to explain to you what I know. ^32:7 I said to myself, ‘Age should speak, and length of years should make wisdom known.’ ^32:8 But it is a spirit in people, the breath of the Almighty, that makes them understand. ^32:9 It is not the aged who are wise, nor old men who understand what is right. ^32:10 Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me. I, even I, will explain what I know.’ ^32:11 Look, I waited for you to speak; I listened closely to your wise thoughts, while you were searching for words. ^32:12 Now I was paying you close attention, yet there was no one proving Job wrong, not one of you was answering his statements. ^32:13 So do not say, ‘We have found wisdom. God will refute him, not man.’ ^32:14 Job has not directed his words to me, and so I will not reply to him with your arguments.

Job’s Friends Failed to Answer35

^32:15 “They are dismayed and cannot answer anymore; they have nothing left to say. ^32:16 And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more, ^32:17 I too will answer my part; I too will explain what I know. ^32:18 For I am full of words, and the spirit within me constrains me. ^32:19 Inside I am like wine that has no outlet, like new wineskins ready to burst! ^32:20 I will speak, so that I may find relief; I will open my lips, so that I may answer. ^32:21 I will not show partiality to any person, nor will I confer a title on anyone. ^32:22 For I do not know how to give honorary titles; if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.