Job 32

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Elihu Adds to the Argument

32 <1> Then Job's three friends gave up trying to answer Job because he was so sure that he was innocent. <2> But there was a young man there named Elihu son of Barakel. He was a descendant of a man named Buz. Elihu was from the family of Ram. He became very angry because Job kept saying he was innocent-that he was right and God was wrong. <3> Elihu was also angry with Job's three friends because they could not answer him, and yet they still considered him guilty of doing wrong. <4> Elihu was the youngest one there, so he had waited until everyone had finished talking. <5> When Elihu saw that Job's three friends had nothing more to say, he became angry. <6> So Elihu said:

"I am only a young man, and you are old men.

That is why I was afraid to tell you what I think.

<7> I thought to myself,

'Older people should speak first.

They have lived many years.

So they have learned many things.'

<8> But God's Spirit makes a person wise.

That 'breath' from God All-Powerful

makes people understand.

<9> Old men are not the only wise people.

They are not the only people who understand what is right.

<10> "So please listen to me,

and I will tell you what I think.

<11> I waited patiently while you men talked.

I listened to the answers you gave to Job

as you searched for the right words.

<12> I listened carefully to what you said.

Not one of you proved Job was wrong.

Not one of you answered his arguments.

<13> You three men cannot say

that you have found wisdom.

God must answer Job's arguments, not people.

<14> Job did not present his arguments to me,

so I will not use the arguments you three men have used.

<15> "Job, these men lost the argument.

They don't have anything more to say.

They don't have any more answers.

<16> I waited for them to answer you.

But now, they are quiet.

They have stopped arguing with you.

<17> So now I will give you my answer.

Yes, I will tell you what I think.

<18> I have so much to say,

that I am about to explode.

<19> I am like a bottle of new wine

that hasn't been opened.

I am like a new wineskin

that is ready to break open.

<20> So I must speak.

Then I will feel better.

I must answer your arguments.

<21> I must treat you the same

as I would treat any other person.

I will not try to say nice things to you.

<22> I cannot treat one person better another person.

If I did that, God my Maker would punish me!