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

Elihu Invites Job to Respond

31 “Job, pay attention! Listen to me!
    Be silent and let me speak.
32 If you have anything to say, answer me;
    speak up, because I’d be happy to vindicate you.
33 But if you have nothing to say, then at least listen to me!
    Be quiet and learn some wisdom from me.”

Elihu Continues Speaking

34 Elihu continued speaking, and said:

“Listen to what I have to say, you wise men!
    Pay attention to me, you educated people!
Since the ear tests words
    like a palate tastes food,
let’s choose what’s right for us.
    Let’s consider among ourselves what is good.”