Elihu’s Interpretation of Suffering

32 Now these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then 2 the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled; against Job was his anger kindled, because he had made himself 3 out to be more righteous than God. But his anger was kindled against his three friends as well, because they had condemned Job without finding 4 any answer. Now, as they were older, Elihu had 5 waited while they were speaking with Job; but, on seeing that the three men had no answer to offer, Elihu’s anger was kindled.

6 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: I am but young in years,

While ye are aged men:

So I was timid, and feared

To set my opinion before you.

7 I felt that days ought to speak,

And that years gave the right to teach wisdom.

8 But the spririt enlighteneth men,

The Almighty inspires then with insight.

9 It is not the old men that are wise,

Nor the aged that understand truth;

10 And so, pray, listen to me–

I, too, would set forth my opinion.

11a I waited what you had to say,

11b I lent mine ear to your reasons;

12a Yea, I gave heed unto you,

11c While ye searched out what to say.

12b But see! none brought conviction to Job,

12c Not a man of you answered his words.

13 Say not "Here wer have come upon wisdom;

’Tis God must confound him, not man."

14 He hath not yet debated with me,

Nor will I give him answers like yours.

15 Panic-stricken they answer no more,

Words have floated away from them.

16 Must I wait because they are silent,

Stand still, and answer no more?

17 Nay, but I, too, will answer my share;

I, too, will set forth my opinion.

18 For filled with words am I;

The breath in my body distress me.

19 Like wine without vent is my belly,

Like new wine-skins ready to burst.

20 I must speak and so find me relief;

I must open my lips and make answer.

21 I would show my favour to none,

And give flattering titles to no man.

22 Of flattery I know nothing–

Else soon would my Maker remove me.

33 But listen, Job, pray, to my words,

And give ear unto all that I say.

2 Behold! I have opened my mouth;

My tongue in my palate hath spoken.

3 MY heart poureth forth words of knowledge;

Unfeigned is the speech of my lips.

4 The spirit of God hath created me;

My life is the breath of Almighty.

5 Then answer me this, if thou canst:

Stand up and debate with me.

6 See! I am in God’s sight as thou;

I, too, was fashioned to clay.

7 See! no terrors of mine need appal thee,

Nor shall my hand lie heavy upon thee.

8 Thou hast certainly said in my hearing,

Thy voice I heard thus maintaining:

9 "Pure and sinless am I;

I am clean, there is no guilt in me.

10 But He findeth pretexts against me,

He counteth me as His foe.

11 He setteth my feet in the stocks,

Keepeth watch over all my ways.

12 Behold! when I cry, comes no answer:

God hideth Himself from men."