Part 377

31:32 The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.

31:33 If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom: 31:34 Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door? 31:35 Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.

31:36 Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me.

31:37 I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.

31:38 If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain; 31:39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: 31:40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley.

The words of Job are ended.

32:1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

32:2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

32:3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

32:4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

32:5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.

32:6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.

32:7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

32:9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

32:10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

32:11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

32:12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: 32:13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

32:14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

32:15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

32:16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) 32:17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

32:18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

32:19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

32:20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

32:21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

32:22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

33:1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.

33:2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.