Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends
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So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was 1righteous in his own eyes.
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Then Elihu the son of Barachel 2the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself 3rather than God.
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He burned with anger also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, although they had 4declared Job to be in the wrong.
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Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he.
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And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.
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And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: "I am young in years, and you are 5aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you.
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I said, 'Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.'
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Therefore I say, 'Listen to me; let me also declare my opinion.'
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"Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your wise sayings, while you searched out what to say.
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I gave you my attention, and, behold, there was none among you who refuted Job or who answered his words.
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Beware 10lest you say, 'We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not a man.'
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He has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your speeches.
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"They are dismayed; they answer no more; they have not a word to say.
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And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more?
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I also will answer with my share; I also will declare my opinion.
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For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.
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Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new 11wineskins ready to burst.
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I will not 14show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person.
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For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
(English Standard Version - The Holy Bible Online)