Job 32
Elihu Responds to Job's Friends
or
Age-Old Wisdom
based on Job 32
wisdom comes with age
Job 32:7
Job 32:7
Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said,
As any can see: I am young and you're old,
and that is the reason I haven't been bold:
not daring to share in the thoughts that I hold,
not airing the things that I knew.
I thought, Let days speak — this experienced sage,
for wisdom is often a product of age.
Respectfully, I've not encroached on your stage,
but quietly listened to you.
A spirit exists in all men — you and I,
dispensed from the breath of Almighty, Shaddai:
the gift of instruction from heaven on high,
and wisdom that's pure from the start.
But, sometimes our elders are not always wise,
nor should we allow some with age to advise;
when honor and love are not seen in their eyes,
then wisdom is not in their heart.
So, listen to me as I won't be deterred,
your insights and reasons I've already heard,
I've waited while you groped for just the right word;
no longer will I remain mute.
I've paid close attention to you all along,
with none of you proving where Job might be wrong;
your answers to queries were not very strong:
Job's questions — you could not refute.
Don’t claim to me, Wisdom has finally been found;
by God — and not man — will Job’s life be cast down..
Job spoke not to me so I shall not be bound
by logic that you failed to use.
You're baffled, and silent. In fact, you look stunned!
Have words finally failed you since I have heard none?
Should I remain quiet because you are done?
No, I will now give you my views.
The spirit compels me, I'm filled up with words.
Like wineskin that's new and is ready to burst.
I'll speak now to find my relief for this thirst:
I'll open my lips and reply.
Impartial and true will my words ever be;
for never was I good at skilled flattery.
If tried, then my Maker would soon destroy me,
and harshly judge me when I die.
and that is the reason I haven't been bold:
not daring to share in the thoughts that I hold,
not airing the things that I knew.
I thought, Let days speak — this experienced sage,
for wisdom is often a product of age.
Respectfully, I've not encroached on your stage,
but quietly listened to you.
A spirit exists in all men — you and I,
dispensed from the breath of Almighty, Shaddai:
the gift of instruction from heaven on high,
and wisdom that's pure from the start.
But, sometimes our elders are not always wise,
nor should we allow some with age to advise;
when honor and love are not seen in their eyes,
then wisdom is not in their heart.
So, listen to me as I won't be deterred,
your insights and reasons I've already heard,
I've waited while you groped for just the right word;
no longer will I remain mute.
I've paid close attention to you all along,
with none of you proving where Job might be wrong;
your answers to queries were not very strong:
Job's questions — you could not refute.
Don’t claim to me, Wisdom has finally been found;
by God — and not man — will Job’s life be cast down..
Job spoke not to me so I shall not be bound
by logic that you failed to use.
You're baffled, and silent. In fact, you look stunned!
Have words finally failed you since I have heard none?
Should I remain quiet because you are done?
No, I will now give you my views.
The spirit compels me, I'm filled up with words.
Like wineskin that's new and is ready to burst.
I'll speak now to find my relief for this thirst:
I'll open my lips and reply.
Impartial and true will my words ever be;
for never was I good at skilled flattery.
If tried, then my Maker would soon destroy me,
and harshly judge me when I die.
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