Chapter 32
| Collection: | The Book of Job and 42 Paintings |
| Author: | Fr. Antonio Oteiza |
| Type: | Painting |
| Location: | Cataloguing Room |
| Characteristics: | Acrylic paint on cardboard |
| Artwork: |
Click to enlarge |
| Description: |
The three men no longer answered Job, convinced that he considered himself innocent. But Elihu, son of Barachel, of the clan of Ram, a native of Buz, became angry with Job because he sought to justify himself before God. He was also angry with the three companions because, having found no answer, they had left God to bear the blame. Elihu had waited while they spoke with Job because they were older than he was; but when he saw that none of the three had an answer, Elihu became angry. Then Elihu, son of Barachel, a native of Buz, intervened and said: I said to myself, ‘Let the years speak; let mature age teach wisdom.’ But it is the spirit within man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives understanding. Authority does not make a man wise, nor does being old make one know how to judge. Therefore I ask you to listen to me: I too will set out what I know. I waited while you spoke; I paid attention to your reasoning while you searched for what to say. Yet however carefully I listened, none of you refuted Job or answered his arguments. And do not say, ‘We have encountered a wisdom that God alone, and not man, can refute.’ Job has not confronted me, nor will I answer him with your arguments. They are bewildered and no longer answer; words have deserted them. Must I wait because they do not speak, because they stand there without an answer? I want to take part in the discussion; I too will set out what I know, for I am filled with words, and their force presses upon me from within. My insides are like new wineskins that the wine trapped inside is about to burst. I will speak and find relief; I will open my lips and answer. I will take no one’s side, nor will I flatter anyone, for I do not know how to flatter, and my Maker would soon sweep me away.” |
