Job 32:4-14

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.

Job 32:4-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 32

Job's three friends being silenced, and having no more to say in reply to him, Elihu, of whose descent some account is given, a bystander and hearer of the whole dispute between them, rises up as a moderator, and expresses some anger both against them and Job, Job 32:1-5; he makes an apology for engaging in this controversy, by reason of his youth, and they being advanced in years, Job 32:6,7; but since there is a spirit in man, that gives understanding to men of every age, and old men are not always wise, he desires they would hearken to him while he delivered his sentiments on the subject in debate, Job 32:8-10; and hopes to be heard patiently, since he had waited until they had said all they had to say, and had closely attended to it, and which fell short of convincing Job; and this he was obliged to say, lest they should be wise in their own conceit, and attribute that to men which belongs to God, Job 32:11-13; he proposes to take a new method with Job, different from theirs; and now they hearing all this from a young man, they were filled with amazement, and struck with silence; and after he had waited a while to observe whether they would say anything or not, he determined to take his turn, and show his opinion also, Job 32:14-17; and the rather because he was full of arguments, he was desirous to propose them, and was uneasy until he had brought them out; and which he was resolved to do with all impartiality and integrity, Job 32:18-22.

The Douay-Rheims Bible is in the public domain.