Job 32 - King James Version - American Edition

Elihu Justifies His Right to Answer Job

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

² Then was kindled the wrath of Eli´hu the son of Bar´achel 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 Eli´hu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

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

⁶ And Eli´hu the son of Bar´achel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not show 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 show 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 show 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.