Job 32

Living Bible

32 The three men refused to reply further to Job because he kept insisting on his innocence.

² Then Elihu (son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the clan of Ram) became angry because Job refused to admit he had sinned and to acknowledge that God had just cause for punishing him. ³ But he was also angry with Job’s three friends because they had been unable to answer Job’s arguments and yet had condemned him. ⁴ Elihu had waited until now to speak because the others were older than he.

⁵ But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily, ⁶ and said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back and did not dare to tell you what I think, ⁷ for those who are older are said to be wiser; ^8-9 but it is not mere age that makes men wise. Rather, it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty that makes him intelligent. ¹⁰ So listen to me awhile and let me express my opinion.

^11-12 “I have waited all this time, listening very carefully to your arguments, but not one of them has convinced Job that he is a sinner or has proved that he is. ¹³ And don’t give me that line about ‘only God can convince the sinner of his sin.’ ¹⁴ If Job had been arguing with me, I would not answer with that kind of logic!

¹⁵ “You sit there baffled, with no further replies. ¹⁶ Shall I then continue to wait when you are silent? ¹⁷ No, I will give my answer too. ¹⁸ For I am pent up and full of words, and the spirit within me urges me on. ¹⁹ I am like a wine cask without a vent! My words are ready to burst out! ²⁰ I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers. ^21-22 Don’t insist that I be cautious lest I insult someone, and don’t make me flatter anyone. Let me be frank lest God should strike me dead.