Job 32 :: Amplified Bible (AMP)

Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite said,

“I am young, and you are aged;

For that reason I was anxious and dared not tell you what I think.

“I thought age should speak,

And a multitude of years should teach wisdom.

“But there is [a vital force and] a spirit [of intelligence] in man,

And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

“Those [who are] abundant in years may not [always] be wise,

Nor may the elders [always] understand justice.

“Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;

I also will give you my opinion [about Job’s situation] and tell you plainly what I think.’

“You see, I waited for your words,

I listened to your [wise] reasons,

While you pondered and searched out what to say.

“I even paid close attention to [what] you [said],

Indeed, not one of you convinced Job [nor could you refute him],

Not one of you supplied [satisfactory] answers to his words.

“Beware if you say,

‘We have found wisdom;

God thrusts Job down [justly], not man [for God alone is dealing with him].’

“Now Job has not directed his words against me [therefore I have no reason to be offended],

Nor will I answer him with arguments like yours. [I speak for truth, not for revenge.]

“They (Job’s friends) are dismayed and embarrassed, they no longer answer;

The words have moved away and failed them,” [says Elihu].

“And shall I wait, because they say nothing,

But stand still and say no more?

“I too will give my share of answers;

I too will express my opinion and share my knowledge.

“For I am full of words;

The spirit within me constrains me.

“My belly is like unvented wine;

Like new wineskins it is about to burst.

“I must speak so that I may get relief;

I will open my lips and answer.

“I will not [I warn you] be partial to any man [that is, let my respect for you mitigate what I say];

Nor flatter any man.

“For I do not know how to flatter, [in an appropriate way, and I fear that],

My Maker would soon take me away.