32:1 So these three men refused to answer1 Job further, because he was righteous in his2 own eyes. 32:2 Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry.3 He was angry4 with Job for justifying5 himself rather than God.6 32:3 With Job’s7 three friends he was also angry, because they could not find8 an answer, and so declared Job guilty.9 32:4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking10 to Job, because the others11 were older than he. 32:5 But when Elihu saw12 that the three men had no further reply,13 he became very angry.
Elihu Claims Wisdom
32:6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up:14
“I am young,15 but you are elderly;
that is why I was fearful,16
and afraid to explain17 to you what I know.
32:7 I said to myself, ‘Age18 should speak,19
and length of years20 should make wisdom known.’
32:8 But it is a spirit21 in people,
the breath22 of the Almighty,
that makes them understand.
32:9 It is not the aged23 who are wise,
nor old men who understand what is right.
32:10 Therefore I say, ‘Listen24 to me.
I, even I, will explain what I know.’
32:11 Look, I waited for you to speak;25
I listened closely to your wise thoughts,26while you were searching for words.
32:12 Now I was giving you close attention,27
yet28 there was no one proving Job wrong,29
not one of you was answering his statements!
32:13 So do not say,30 ‘We have found wisdom!
God will refute31 him, not man!’
32:14 Job32 has not directed33 his words to me,
and so I will not reply to him with your arguments.34
Job’s Friends Failed to Answer35
32:15 “They are dismayed36 and cannot answer any more;
they have nothing left to say.37
32:16 And I have waited.38 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 me39 constrains me.40
32:19 Inside I am like wine which has no outlet,41
like new wineskins42 ready to burst!
32:20 I will speak,43 so that I may find relief;
I will open my lips, so that I may answer.
32:21 I will not show partiality to anyone,44
nor will I confer a title45 on any man.
32:22 for I do not know how to give honorary titles,46
if I did,47 my Creator would quickly do away with me.48
Elihu Invites Job’s Attention