God’s Gracious Provisions – Job 32:1-33:33
32 Then these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. (2) But Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. (3) He also became angry with Job’s three friends, because they could not refute Job, and yet they had condemned him. (4) Elihu had waited while they spoke with Job because they were older than he. (5) But when Elihu saw that these three men had no answer, he became angry.
(6) Then Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, spoke: I am young in years and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to offer my view to you. (7) I thought, “Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.” (8) But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him insight. (9) It is not necessarily the old that are wise, and the aged may not understand justice. (10) Therefore I say, Listen to me; I, even I, will offer my view. (11) I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning, as you pondered what to say. (12) I paid close attention to you, but not one of you has been able to refute Job; none of you has answered his arguments. (13) Do not say, “We possess wisdom, regardless of what he says. Let God refute him, not man.” (14) He has not marshaled his arguments against me, and I will not respond to him with your replies.
(15) They are dismayed and have nothing more to say; words have forsaken them. (16) Must I continue to wait, now that they are silent, since they have stopped speaking and no longer respond? (17) I, even I, will speak my piece; I, even I, will offer my insight, (18) for I am full of words, the Spirit within me compels me. (19) Inside me I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst. (20) I must speak and get relief; I must open my lips and reply. (21) I will not show partiality, nor will I flatter any man. (22) I have nothing to do with flattery; if I did, my Maker would quickly carry me away.
33 But now, Job, listen to my words; pay attention to everything I say. (2) I am about to open my mouth; my words are on the tip of my tongue. (3) My words come from an upright heart; my lips utter knowledge sincerely. (4) The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (5) If you can, answer me; prepare your case; take your stand before me. (6) I am just like you before God; I, too, have been formed out of clay. (7) No fear of me should terrify you; my pressure will not be heavy upon you.
(8) Without dispute, you have said in my hearing—I heard your very words—(9) “I am pure, without rebellion; I am innocent and without iniquity. (10) Yet God has found fault with me; he considers me his enemy. (11) He fastens my feet in shackles; he keeps close watch over all my paths so that I cannot escape.” (12) Listen; I must tell you, in saying this you are not right, for God is greater than man. (13) Why do you complain to him that he does not give an account of any of his actions?— (14) for God does speak, (now in one way, then in another), although man may not take notice of it. (15) In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, as they slumber on their beds, (16) then he opens men’s ears and frightens them with visions, (17) in order to turn man from his sinful conduct and to keep him from pride. (18) So he preserves man’s soul from the pit, his life from passing over into Sheol.
(19) Or a man may be disciplined on a bed of pain with constant aching in his bones, (20) so that his whole being finds food repulsive and his soul loathes even the choicest meal. (21) His flesh wastes away to nothing, and his bones, once hidden, now protrude. (22) His soul draws near to the pit, and his life draws near to the messengers of death. (23) But if there is an angel at his side, a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell the man what is right, (24) then God is gracious to him, and says, “Spare him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for him.” (25) Then his flesh is renewed like a child’s; he returns to the days of his youth. (26) He prays to God and finds favor with him, he sees God’s face and shouts for joy; he is restored by God to his status as an upright man. (27) He sings among men and testifies, “I sinned and perverted what was right, but it was not beneficial for me. (28) He has redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and my life enjoys the light.”
(29) Indeed, God does all these things for a man—twice, even three times—(30) to turn back his soul from the pit, so that the light of life may shine upon him. (31) Pay attention, Job, and listen to me. Be silent, and I will speak. (32) But if you have any response, answer me. Speak up, for I desire to justify you. (33) But if not, then listen to me; keep silent, and I will teach you wisdom.
Now proceed to the next section of this study, entitled, Exploring the Passage.
