Ayub (Job) — 32

Alihu Responds to Ayub’s Friends

1 Ayub‘s three friends refused to reply further to him because he kept insisting on his innocence.

2 Then Alihu son of Barakal the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry, he was angry because Ayub refused to admit that he had sinned and that 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH was right in punishing him. 

3 He was also angry with Ayub’s three friends, for they made 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH  appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Ayub’s arguments. 

4 Alihu had waited for the others to speak to Ayub because they were older than he. 

5 But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily. 

6 Alihu son of Barakal the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think.

7 I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’

8 But there is a ruach within man, the breath of the AL'Mighty, that makes them intelligent.

9 Sometimes the elders are not wise.    Sometimes the aged do not understand justice.

10 So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think.

11 “I have waited all this time, listening very carefully to your arguments, listening to you grope for words.

12 I have listened, but not one of you has refuted Ayub or answered his arguments.

13 And do not tell me, ‘he is too wise for us. Only our 𐤀𐤋𐤅𐤄_ALUAH can convince him.’

14 If Ayub had been arguing with me, I would not answer with your kind of logic!

15 You sit there baffled, with nothing more to say.

16 Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?

17 No, I will say my piece. I will speak my mind.

18 For I am full of pent-up words, and the ruach within me urges me on.

19 I am like a cask of wine without a vent, like a new wineskin ready to burst!

20 I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers.

21 I will not play favorites or try to flatter anyone.

22 For if I tried flattery, my Creator would soon destroy me.