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Job, 32

Eliu is angry with Job and his friends. He boasts of himself.


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[1] So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he seemed just to himself.

[2] And Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite of the kindred of Ram, was angry and was moved to indignation: now he was angry against Job, because he said he was just before God.

[3] And he was angry with his friends, because they had not found a reasonable answer, but only had condemned Job.

[4] So Eliu waited while Job was speaking because they were his elders that were speaking.

[5] But when he saw that the three were not able to answer, he was exceedingly angry.

[6] Then Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, and said: I am younger in days, and you are more ancient, therefore hanging down my head, I was afraid to shew you my opinion.

[7] For I hoped that greater age would speak, and that a multitude of years would teach wisdom.

[8] But, as I see, there is a spirit in men, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding.

[9] They that are aged are not the wise men, neither do the ancients understand judgment.

[10] Therefore I will speak: Hearken to me, I also will shew you my wisdom.

[11] For I have waited for your words, I have given ear to your wisdom, as long as you were disputing in words.

[12] And as long as I thought you said some thing, I considered: but, as I see, there is none of you that can convince Job, and answer his words.

[13] Lest you should say: We have found wisdom, God hath cast him down, not man.

[14] He hath spoken nothing to me, and I will not answer him according to your words.

[15] They were afraid, and answered no more, and they left off speaking.

[16] Therefore because I have waited, and they have not spoken: they stood, and answered no more:

[17] I also will answer my part, and will shew my knowledge.

[18] For I am full of matter to speak of, and the spirit of my bowels straiteneth me.

[19] Behold, my belly is as new wine which wanteth vent, which bursteth the new vessels.

[20] I will speak and take breath a little: I will open my lips, and will answer.

[21] I will not accept the person of man, and I will not level God with man 1.

show note 1

I will not level God with man: Here Eliu considers that Job hath put himself on a level with God, by the manner he assumed to justify his own life in speaking to God as if he spoke to an equal: Eliu expresses in the following ver. 22 his fear of punishment hereafter for such an attempt.

[22] For I know not how long I shall continue, and whether after a while my Maker may take me away.

Job, 32