So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said:

“I am young in years,
    and you are old;(A)
that is why I was fearful,
    not daring to tell you what I know.
I thought, ‘Age should speak;
    advanced years should teach wisdom.’(B)
But it is the spirit[a](C) in a person,
    the breath of the Almighty,(D) that gives them understanding.(E)
It is not only the old[b] who are wise,(F)
    not only the aged(G) who understand what is right.(H)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Job 32:8 Or Spirit; also in verse 18
  2. Job 32:9 Or many; or great

Barachel’s son Elihu from Buz responded and said:

“I’m younger than you are.
    Because you’re older,[a] I was terrified
        to tell you what I know.
I thought, experience[b] should speak;
    abundance of years teaches wisdom.
However, a spirit exists in mankind,
    and the Almighty’s breath gives him insight.”

There’s No Fool Like an Old Fool

“The aged aren’t always wise,
    nor do the elderly always understand justice.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Job 32:6 Lit. aged
  2. Job 32:7 Lit. days