The Online Library of Liberty

A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.

• The Book of Job. (a. V.)
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15
• 16
• 17
• 18
• 19
• 20
• 21
• 22
• 23
• 24
• 25
• 26
• 27
• 28
• 29
• 30
• 31
• 32
• 33
• 34
• 35
• 36
• 37
• 38
• 39
• 40
• 41
• 42

32

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;)

17I 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.

[† ] Heb. from answering.

[† ] Heb. his soul.

[† ] Heb. expected Job in words.

[† ] Heb. elder for days

[† ] Heb. few of days.

[† ] Heb. I feared.

[* ] ch. 38. 36. Prov. 2. 6. Eccles. 2. 26. Dan. 1. 17. & 2. 21.

[† ] Heb. understandings.

[† ] Heb words.

[∥ ] Or, ordered his words.

[† ] Heb. they removed speeches from themselves.

[† ] Heb. words.

[† ] Heb. the spirit of my belly.

[† ] Heb. is not opened.

[† ] Heb. that I may breathe.