Job 32:6-22 - The Reason For Elihu's Discourse
6 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite said,
For that reason I was anxious and dared not tell you what I think.
“I thought age should speak,
And a multitude of years should teach wisdom.
“But there is [a vital force and] a spirit [of intelligence] in man,
And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.
“Those [who are] abundant in years may not [always] be wise,
Nor may the elders [always] understand justice.
“Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;
I also will give you my opinion [about Job’s situation] and tell you plainly what I think.’
“You see, I waited for your words,
I listened to your [wise] reasons,
While you pondered and searched out what to say.
“I even paid close attention to [what] you [said],
Indeed, not one of you convinced Job [nor could you refute him],
Not one of you supplied [satisfactory] answers to his words.
“Beware if you say,
‘We have found wisdom;
God thrusts Job down [justly], not man [for God alone is dealing with him].’
“Now Job has not directed his words against me [therefore I have no reason to be offended],
Nor will I answer him with arguments like yours. [I speak for truth, not for revenge.]
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“They (Job’s friends) are dismayed and embarrassed, they no longer answer;
The words have moved away and failed them,” [says Elihu].
“And shall I wait, because they say nothing,
But stand still and say no more?
“I too will give my share of answers;
I too will express my opinion and share my knowledge.
“For I am full of words;
The spirit within me constrains me.
“My belly is like unvented wine;
Like new wineskins it is about to burst.
“I must speak so that I may get relief;
I will open my lips and answer.
“I will not [I warn you] be partial to any man [that is, let my respect for you mitigate what I say];
Nor flatter any man.
“For I do not know how to flatter, [in an appropriate way, and I fear that],
My Maker would soon take me away.