31 Pay attention, Job, and listen to me.
Be quiet, and I will speak.
32 But if you have something to say,[a] answer me;
speak, for I would like to justify you.
33 If not, then listen to me;
be quiet, and I will teach you wisdom.

34 Then Elihu continued,[b] saying:

Hear my words, you wise ones,
and listen to me, you knowledgeable ones.
Doesn’t the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?
Let us judge for ourselves what is right;
let us decide together what is good.

Footnotes

  1. 33:32 Lit If there are words
  2. 34:1 Lit answered

31 “Pay attention, Job, and listen(A) to me;(B)
    be silent,(C) and I will speak.
32 If you have anything to say, answer me;(D)
    speak up, for I want to vindicate you.(E)
33 But if not, then listen to me;(F)
    be silent,(G) and I will teach you wisdom.(H)

34 Then Elihu said:

“Hear my words, you wise men;
    listen to me,(I) you men of learning.
For the ear tests words
    as the tongue tastes food.(J)
Let us discern for ourselves what is right;(K)
    let us learn together what is good.(L)

31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.

32 If thou hast anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.

33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.

34 Furthermore Elihu answered and said,

Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.

For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.

Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.