Chapter 32 - Elihu speaks




1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.


2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu (the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram): against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.


3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.


4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.


5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.


6 And Elihu (the son of Barachel the Buzite) answered and said,

I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.


7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude (of years) should teach wisdom.


8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration (of the Almighty) giveth them understanding.


9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.


10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.


11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.


12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13 Lest ye should say, 

We have found out wisdom: 

God thrusteth him down, not man.


14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.


15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.


16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

17 I said, 

I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.


18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.


19 Behold, my belly is [as] wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst [like] new bottles.


20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.


21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.


22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.




Chapter 33