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Journey Through the Bible

Job 32:4-22

4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.

5 But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.

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.

7 I thought, ‘Age should speak;
advanced years should teach wisdom.’

8 But it is the spirit in a man,
the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

9 It is not only the old who are wise,
not only the aged who understand what is right.

10 “Therefore I say: Listen to me;
I too will tell you what I know.

11 I waited while you spoke,
I listened to your reasoning;
while you were searching for words,

12 I gave you my full attention.
But not one of you has proved Job wrong;
none of you has answered his arguments.

13 Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom;
let God refute him, not man.’

14 But Job has not marshaled his words against me,
and I will not answer him with your arguments.

15 “They are dismayed and have no more to say;
words have failed them.

16 Must I wait, now that they are silent,
now that they stand there with no reply?

17 I too will have my say;
I too will tell what I know.

18 For I am full of words,
and the spirit within me compels me;

19 inside I am like bottled-up wine,
like new wineskins ready to burst.

20 I must speak and find relief;
I must open my lips and reply.

21 I will show partiality to no one,
nor will I flatter any man;

22 for if I were skilled in flattery,
my Maker would soon take me away.

Cross References for Job 32:4-22

Leviticus 19:32 - “‘Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the ... Click to read the verse Leviticus 19:32 Click to read the verse Leviticus 19:32

Proverbs 18:13 - He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame. Click to read the verse Proverbs 18:13 Click to read the verse Proverbs 18:13

Job 32:11-12 - I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words, Click to read the verse Job 32:11-12 Click to read the verse Job 32:11-12

Job 32:11 - I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words, Click to read the verse Job 32:11 Click to read the verse Job 32:11

Psalms 119:100 - I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. Click to read the verse Psalms 119:100 Click to read the verse Psalms 119:100