32:1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
32:2 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.
32:3 He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.* / *Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition Job, and so had condemned God
32:4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.
32:5 But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
32:6 So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: “I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know.
32:7 I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’
32:8 But it is the spirit* in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. / *Or Spirit; also in verse 18
32:9 It is not only the old* who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right. / *Or many; or great
32:10 “Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know.
32:11 I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words,
32:12 I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.
32:13 Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not a man, refute him.’
32:14 But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
32:15 “They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them.
32:16 Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?
32:17 I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know.
32:18 For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
32:19 inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.
32:20 I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.
32:21 I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter anyone;
32:22 for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.