Job, chapter 32
Elihu Speaks to Job and Job's Friends
When Job's debate with his three friends is done, another counselor steps forward to give advice. He has been waiting patiently on the sidelines, listening to Job and his counselors, because he is younger than they are. But now he is ready to show how both Job and his friends are wrong in their thinking. Elihu is introduced in 32.1-5, and his four speeches make up Job 32.6—37.24.
Elihu Is Upset with Job's Friends
inally, these three men stopped arguing with Job, because he refused to admit he was guilty.
2Elihu from Buz was there, and he had become upset with Job for blaming God instead of himself. 3He was also angry with Job's three friends for not being able to prove that Job was wrong. 4Elihu was younger than these three, and he let them speak first. 5But he became irritated when they could not answer Job, 6and he said to them:
I am much younger than you,
so I have shown respect by keeping silent.
7I once believed age was the source of wisdom;
8 now I truly realize wisdom comes from God.
Elihu said, “I once believed age was the source of wisdom; now I truly realize wisdom comes from God.”
— Job 32.7,8
9Age is no guarantee of wisdom and understanding.
10That's why I ask you to listen to me.
I Eagerly Listened
* 11I eagerly listened to each of your arguments,
12but not one of you proved Job to be wrong.
13You shouldn't say, “We know what's right!
Let God punish him.”
14Job hasn't spoken against me,
and so I won't answer him with your arguments.
15All of you are shocked; you don't know what to say.
16But am I to remain silent,
just because you have stopped speaking?
17No! I will give my opinion,
18because I have so much to say,
that I can't keep quiet.
19I am like a swollen wineskin,
and I will burst 20if I don't speak.
* 21I don't know how to be unfair or to flatter anyone—
22if I did, my Creator would quickly destroy me!