Meet Kim Harms

Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends

1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. 3 He burned with anger also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.

6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said:

“I am young in years,
    and you are aged;
therefore I was timid and afraid
    to declare my opinion to you.
7  I said, ‘Let days speak,
    and many years teach wisdom.’
8  But it is the spirit in man,
    the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.
9  It is not the old ^{1 32:9 Hebrew many [in years]} who are wise,
    nor the aged who understand what is right.
10  Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;
    let me also declare my opinion.’

11  Behold, I waited for your words,
    I listened for your wise sayings,
    while you searched out what to say.
12  I gave you my attention,
    and, behold, there was none among you who refuted Job
    or who answered his words.
13  Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom;
    God may vanquish him, not a man.’
14  He has not directed his words against me,
    and I will not answer him with your speeches.

15  They are dismayed; they answer no more;
    they have not a word to say.
16  And shall I wait, because they do not speak,
    because they stand there, and answer no more?
17  I also will answer with my share;
    I also will declare my opinion.
18  For I am full of words;
    the spirit within me constrains me.
19  Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent;
    like new wineskins ready to burst.
20  I must speak, that I may find relief;
    I must open my lips and answer.
21  I will not show partiality to any man
    or use flattery toward any person.
22  For I do not know how to flatter,
    else my Maker would soon take me away.