32
Job

Elihu's Intervention: Rebuke and Praise of God's Majesty (part 1)

Job 32:1-33:22
1And the three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, from the family of Ram, became angry with Job; his anger burned because Job sought to justify himself rather than God. 3He was also angry with the three friends because they had found no answer and had condemned Job. 4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. 5When Elihu saw that the three men had no further answer, his anger burned. 6So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite spoke up and said: I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was afraid and hesitated to declare my knowledge to you. 7I thought, Let days speak, and let many years teach wisdom. 8But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. 9It is not only the aged who are wise, nor do the elderly alone understand what is right. 10Therefore I say, Listen to me; I too will declare what I know. 11I waited while you spoke; I listened for your insights until you had searched out your words. 12Yet I find that no one among you has refuted Job or answered his arguments. 13Beware lest you claim, We have found wisdom; God will drive him away, not man. 14Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your speeches. 15They were dismayed and answered no more; words had failed them. 16I waited, but they did not speak; they stood silent and gave no further reply. 17I also will have my say; I too will declare what I know. 18For I am full of words; the spirit within me compels me. 19My belly is like wine about to burst, like new wineskins ready to split open. 20I must speak to find relief; I will open my lips and answer. 21I will not show partiality to anyone, nor will I flatter any man. 22I do not know how to flatter; otherwise my Maker would soon take me away.
Chapter 33
1Listen now, Job, to my words; give ear to all that I say. 2See, I have opened my mouth; my tongue has spoken in my palate. 3My heart speaks upright words, and my lips utter pure knowledge. 4The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. 5If you can, answer me; set your words in order before me and take your stand. 6Behold, I am just like you before God; I too was formed from clay. 7My dread will not terrify you, nor will my hand be heavy upon you. 8You have said in my hearing, and I have heard the sound of your words. 9I am pure, without transgression; I am clean and without iniquity. 10Yet you find reasons to oppose me and count me as your enemy. 11You put my feet in the stocks and watch all my paths. 12In this you are not right; I will answer you, for God is greater than man. 13Why do you contend with him? He does not answer all his words. 14For God speaks once, and twice, yet man does not perceive it. 15In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they lie on their beds. 16Then he opens the ears of men and seals their instruction. 17He does this to turn man from his deed and to conceal pride from the great man. 18He keeps his soul from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword. 19A man is also rebuked with pain on his bed, with ceaseless strife in his bones. 20His life loathes bread, and his soul rejects desirable food. 21His flesh wastes away from sight, and his bones are laid bare, not seen. 22His soul draws near the pit, and his life to those who bring death.

In this passage

People

Tap a verse