THE BOOK OF
JOB
CHAPTER 32

Elihu, in anger, answers Job and his three friends-He says: There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty gives understanding; also, Great men are not always wise.

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

  2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

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

  4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

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

  6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.

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

  8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

  9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

  10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

  11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

  12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

  13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

  14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

  15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

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

  17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

  18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

  19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

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

  21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

  22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.