32:1 Finally, these three men stopped arguing with Job, because he refused to admit that he was guilty. |
32:2 Elihu from Buz was there, and he had become upset with Job for blaming God instead of himself. |
32:3 He was also angry with Job's three friends for not being able to prove that Job was wrong. |
32:4 Elihu was younger than these three, and he let them speak first. |
32:5 But he became irritated when they could not answer Job, |
32:6 and he said to them: I am much younger than you, so I have shown respect by keeping silent. |
32:7 I once believed age was the source of wisdom; |
32:8 now I truly realize wisdom comes from God. |
32:9 Age is no guarantee of wisdom and understanding. |
32:10 That's why I ask you to listen to me. |
32:11 I eagerly listened to each of your arguments, |
32:12 but not one of you proved Job to be wrong. |
32:13 You shouldn't say, "We know what's right! Let God punish him." |
32:14 Job hasn't spoken against me, and so I won't answer him with your arguments. |
32:15 All of you are shocked; you don't know what to say. |
32:16 But am I to remain silent, just because you have stopped speaking? |
32:17 No! I will give my opinion, |
32:18 because I have so much to say, that I can't keep quiet. |
32:19 I am like a swollen wineskin, and I will burst |
32:20 if I don't speak. |
32:21 I don't know how to be unfair or to flatter anyone-- |
32:22 if I did, my Creator would quickly destroy me! |