NETtext - Job - 32

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.

32:6  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.

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.

32:15  "They are dismayed and cannot answer any more; 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 which 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 anyone, nor will I confer a title on any man.

32:22  for I do not know how to give honorary titles, if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.