The Book of JOB - Chapter Thirty Two

 

1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. 3 He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. 4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. 5 But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.

6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said:

‘I am young in years,
    and you are old;
that is why I was fearful,
    not daring to tell you what I know.

7 

I thought, “Age should speak;
    advanced years should teach wisdom.”

8 

But it is the spirit in a person,
    the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.

9 

It is not only the old who are wise,
    not only the aged who understand what is right.

10 

‘Therefore I say: listen to me;
    I too will tell you what I know.

11 

I waited while you spoke,
    I listened to your reasoning;
while you were searching for words,

12 

    I gave you my full attention.
But not one of you has proved Job wrong;
    none of you has answered his arguments.

13 

Do not say, “We have found wisdom;
    let God, not a man, refute him.”

14 

But Job has not marshalled his words against me,
    and I will not answer him with your arguments.

15 

‘They are dismayed and have no more to say;
    words have failed them.

16 

Must I wait, now that they are silent,
    now that they stand there with no reply?

17 

I too will have my say;
    I too will tell what I know.

18 

For I am full of words,
    and the spirit within me compels me;

19 

inside I am like bottled-up wine,
    like new wineskins ready to burst.

20 

I must speak and find relief;
    I must open my lips and reply.

21 

I will show no partiality,
    nor will I flatter anyone;

22 

for if I were skilled in flattery,
    my Maker would soon take me away.

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READINGS

The Book Of JOB

Chapter Thirty Two

Read by David Suchet

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OVERVIEW 

The Book Of JOB

Overview

(The Bible Project) 

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STUDIES 

The Book Of JOB

David Pawson

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