The Book of Job

⭑ Geneva Bible :: World English Bible Catholic ⭑

- Chapter 32 -

Elihu contradicts Job's friends

So these three men ceased to answere Iob, because he esteemed himselfe iust.

Then the wrath of Elihu the sonne of Barachel the Buzite, of the familie of Ram, was kindled: his wrath, I say, was kindled against Iob, because he iustified himselfe more then God.

Also his anger was kindled against his three friends, because they could not finde an answere, and yet condemned Iob.

(Now Elihu had wayted til Iob had spoken: for they were more ancient in yeeres then he)

So when Elihu saw, that there was none answere in the mouth of the three men, his wrath was kindled.

Therefore Elihu the sonne of Barachel, the Buzite answered, and sayd, I am yong in yeres, and ye are ancient: therefore I doubted, and was afraide to shewe you mine opinion.

For I said, The dayes shall speake, and the multitude of yeeres shall teach wisedome.

Surely there is a spirite in man, but the inspiration of the Almightie giueth vnderstanding.

Great men are not alway wise, neither doe the aged alway vnderstand iudgement.

Therefore I say, Heare me, and I will shew also mine opinion.

Behold, I did waite vpon your wordes, and hearkened vnto your knowledge, whiles you sought out reasons.

Yea, when I had considered you, lo, there was none of you that reproued Iob, nor answered his wordes:

Lest ye should say, We haue found wisedome: for God hath cast him downe, and no man.

Yet hath he not directed his words to me, neyther will I answere him by your wordes.

Then they fearing, answered no more, but left off their talke.

When I had wayted (for they spake not, but stood still and answered no more)

Then answered I in my turne, and I shewed mine opinion.

For I am full of matter, and the spirite within me compelleth me.

Beholde, my belly is as the wine, which hath no vent, and like the new bottels that brast.

Therefore will I speake, that I may take breath: I will open my lippes, and will answere.

I will not now accept the person of man, neyther will I giue titles to man.

For I may not giue titles, lest my Maker should take me away suddenly.

Elihu contradicts Job's friends

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

Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God.

Also his wrath was kindled against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he.

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.

Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, “I am young, and you are very old. Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare show you my opinion.

I said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’

But there is a spirit in man, and the Spirit

(a)

of the Almighty gives them understanding.

It is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.

Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.’

“Behold, I waited for your words, and I listened for your reasoning, while you searched out what to say.

Yes, I gave you my full attention, but there was no one who convinced Job, or who answered his words, among you.

Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom. God may refute him, not man;’

for he has not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches.

“They are amazed. They answer no more. They don’t have a word to say.

Shall I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?

I also will answer my part, and I also will show my opinion.

For I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains me.

Behold, my breast is as wine which has no vent; like new wineskins it is ready to burst.

I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.

Please don’t let me respect any man’s person, neither will I give flattering titles to any man.

For I don’t know how to give flattering titles, or else my Maker would soon take me away.

Footnotes

(a)32:8 or, breath