Study Desk

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered [Job] and said,

Then Job answered and said,

Then Job answered and said,

Then Job answered and said,

Then Job answered and said,

But Job answered and said,

Job continued his discourse and said,

And Job again took up his discussion and said,

Let thorns grow instead of wheat, And stinkweed and cockleburs instead of barley." So the words of Job [with his friends] are finished.

So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes [and could not be persuaded otherwise by them].

But Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became indignant. His indignation was kindled and burned and he became upset with Job because he justified himself rather than God [and even expressed doubts about God's character].

Elihu's anger burned against Job's three friends because they had found no answer [and were unable to determine Job's error], and yet they had condemned Job and declared him to be in the wrong [and responsible for his own afflictions].

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were years older than he.

"I even paid close attention to [what] you [said], Indeed, not one of you convinced Job [nor could you refute him], Not one of you supplied [satisfactory] answers to his words.

"Beware if you say, 'We have found wisdom; God thrusts Job down [justly], not man [for God alone is dealing with him].'

"Now Job has not directed his words against me [therefore I have no reason to be offended], Nor will I answer him with arguments like yours. [I speak for truth, not for revenge.]

"However, Job, please listen to my words, And pay attention to everything I say.

"For God speaks once, And even twice, yet no one notices it [including you, Job].

"Pay attention, Job, listen to me; Keep silent, and I will speak.

"For Job has said, 'I am righteous [and innocent], But God has taken away my right;