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 Pay attention, Job, listen to me;
Keep silent, and let me speak.
32 Then if [a]you have anything to say, answer me;
Speak, for I would take pleasure in justifying you.
33 If not, (A)listen to me;
Keep silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”

Elihu Vindicates God’s Justice

34 Then Elihu continued and said,

“Hear my words, you wise men,
And listen to me, you who understand.
For (B)the ear tests words
As the palate tastes food.
Let us choose for ourselves what is right;
Let us understand among ourselves what is good.

Footnotes

  1. Job 33:32 Lit there are words

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.