Job 38

1 So Eliu waited while Job was speaking because they were his elders that were speaking. 2 But when he saw that the three were not able to answer, he was exceedingly angry. 3 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. 4 For I hoped that greater age would speak, and that a multitude of years would teach wisdom. 5 But, as I see, there is a spirit in men, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding. 6 They that are aged are not the wise men, neither do the ancients understand judgment. 7 Therefore I will speak: Hearken to me, I also will shew you my wisdom. 8 For I have waited for your words, I have given ear to your wisdom, as long as you were disputing in words. 9 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. 10 Lest you should say: We have found wisdom, God hath cast him down, not man. 11 He hath spoken nothing to me, and I will not answer him according to your words. 12 They were afraid, and answered no more, and they left off speaking. 13 Therefore because I have waited, and they have not spoken: they stood, and answered no more: 14 I also will answer my part, and will shew my knowledge. 15 For I am full of matter to speak of, and the spirit of my bowels straiteneth me. 16 Behold, my belly is as new wine which wanteth vent, which bursteth the new vessels. 17 I will speak and take breath a little: I will open my lips, and will answer. 18 I will not accept the person of man, and I will not level God with man. 19 For I know not how long I shall continue, and whether after a while my Maker may take me away. 21 Hear therefore, O Job, my speeches, and hearken to all my words. 22 Behold now I have opened my mouth, let my tongue speak within my jaws. 23 My words are from my upright heart, and my lips shall speak a pure sentence. 24 The spirit of God made me, and the breath of the Almighty gave me life. 25 If thou canst, answer me, and stand up against my face. 26 Behold God hath made me as well as thee, and of the same clay I also was formed. 27 But yet let not my wonder terrify thee, and let not my eloquence be burdensome to thee. 28 Now thou hast said in my hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words: 29 I am clean, and without sin: I am unspotted, and there is no iniquity in me. 30 Because he hath found complaints against me, therefore he hath counted me for his enemy. 31 He hath put my feet in the stocks, he hath observed all my paths. 32 Now this is the thing in which thou art not justified: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. 33 Dost thou strive against him, because he hath not answered thee to all words? 34 God speaketh once, and repeateth not the selfsame thing the second time. 35 By a dream in a vision by night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, and they are sleeping in their beds: 36 Then he openeth the ears of men, and teaching instructeth them in what they are to learn. 37 That he may withdraw a man from the things he is doing, and may deliver him from pride. 38 Rescuing his soul from corruption: and his life from passing to the sword. 39 He rebuketh also by sorrow in the bed, and he maketh all his bones to wither. 40 Bread becometh abominable to him in his life, and to his soul the meat which before he desired. 41 His flesh shall be consumed away, and his bones that were covered shall be made bare.