V. The Speeches of Elihu (32:1-37:24)

Elihu’s First Speech

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

Elihu Claims Wisdom

6So 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.

7I said to myself, ‘Age should speak,

and length of years should make wisdom known.’

8But it is a spirit in people,

the breath of the Almighty,

that makes them understand.

9It is not the aged who are wise,

nor old men who understand what is right.

10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me.

I, even I, will explain what I know.’

11Look, I waited for you to speak;

I listened closely to your wise thoughts,while you were searching for words.

12Now I was paying you close attention,

yet there was no one proving Job wrong,

not one of you was answering his statements!

13So do not say, ‘We have found wisdom!

God will refute him, not man!’

14Job has not directed his words to me,

and so I will not reply to him with your arguments.

Job’s Friends Failed to Answer

15“They are dismayed and cannot answer any more;

they have nothing left to say.

16And I have waited. But because they do not speak,

because they stand there and answer no more,

17I too will answer my part,

I too will explain what I know.

18For I am full of words,

and the spirit within me constrains me.

19Inside I am like wine which has no outlet,

like new wineskins ready to burst!

20I will speak, so that I may find relief;

I will open my lips, so that I may answer.

21I will not show partiality to anyone,

nor will I confer a title on any man.

22for I do not know how to give honorary titles,

if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.