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Job 32
III. THE SPEECHES OF ELIHU
Elihu joins the discussion
1 These three men said no more to Job, because he was convinced of his innocence.
2 But another man was infuriated – Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram. He fumed with rage against Job for thinking that he was right and God was wrong;
3 and he was equally angry with the three friends for giving up the argument and thus admitting that God could be unjust.
4 While they were speaking, Elihu had held himself back, because they were older than he was;
5 but when he saw that the three men had not another word to say in answer, his anger burst out.
6 Thus Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite spoke next. He said:
I am still young, and you are old, so I was shy, afraid, to tell you what I know. I told myself,
7 ‘Old age should speak, advancing years will utter wisdom’.
8 But now I know that it is a breath in man, the inspiration of Shaddai, that gives discernment.
9 Great age does not give wisdom, nor longevity sound judgement.
10 And so I ask you for a hearing; now it is my turn to tell what I know.
11 There was a time when I hoped for much from your speeches: I gave your reasonings a ready hearing, and watched you choose your words.
12 I gave you all my attention, and I can say that no one gave Job the lie, not one of you disproved his statements.
13 So do not dare to say that you have found wisdom, or that your teaching is from God not man.
14 I am not going to follow the same line of argument; my reply to Job will be couched in different terms.
15 They have been nonplussed, baffled for an answer, words have failed them.
16 I have been waiting. Since they are silent, and have abandoned all efforts to reply,
17 now I will have my say, my turn has come to say what I know.
18 For I am filled with words, choked by the rush of them within me.
19 I have a feeling in my heart like new wine seeking a vent, and bursting a brand-new wineskin.
20 Nothing will bring relief but speech, I will open my mouth and give my answer.
21 I shall not show any partiality towards anyone, nor heap on any fulsome flatteries.
22 I have no skill in flattery, my creator would soon silence me otherwise.