Chapter 32
1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God, 3and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. 4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. 5But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. 6So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. 7I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom. 8But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. 9It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice. 10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’ 11Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words, 12I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments. 13So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’ 14But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. 15Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them. 16Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply? 17I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know. 18For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. 19Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. 20I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond. 21I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man. 22For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.
Chapter 33
1“But now, O Job, hear my speech, and listen to all my words. 2Behold, I will open my mouth; my address is on the tip of my tongue. 3My words are from an upright heart, and my lips speak sincerely what I know. 4The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. 5Refute me if you can; prepare your case and confront me. 6I am just like you before God; I was also formed from clay. 7Surely no fear of me should terrify you; nor will my hand be heavy upon you. 8Surely you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard these very words: 9‘I am pure, without transgression; I am clean, with no iniquity in me. 10Yet God finds occasions against me; He counts me as His enemy. 11He puts my feet in the stocks; He watches over all my paths.’ 12Behold, you are not right in this matter. I will answer you, for God is greater than man. 13Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks? 14For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices. 15In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, 16He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings 17to turn a man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride, 18to preserve his soul from the Pit and his life from perishing by the sword. 19A man is also chastened on his bed with pain and constant distress in his bones, 20so that he detests his bread, and his soul loathes his favorite food. 21His flesh wastes away from sight, and his hidden bones protrude. 22He draws near to the Pit, and his life to the messengers of death. 23Yet if there is a messenger on his side, one mediator in a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, 24 to be gracious to him and say, ‘Spare him from going down to the Pit; I have found his ransom,’ 25 then his flesh is refreshed like a child’s; he returns to the days of his youth. 26 He prays to God and finds favor; he sees God’s face and shouts for joy, and God restores His righteousness to that man. 27 Then he sings before men with these words: ‘I have sinned and perverted what was right; yet I did not get what I deserved. 28 He redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and I will live to see the light.’ 29 Behold, all these things God does to a man, two or even three times, 30 to bring back his soul from the Pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of life. 31 Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak. 32 But if you have something to say, answer me; speak up, for I would like to vindicate you. 33 But if not, then listen to me; be quiet, and I will teach you wisdom.”