Eliu is angry with Job and his friends. He boasts of himself – Book of Job, chapter 32

[1] So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he seemed just to himself. [2] And Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, was angry and was moved to indignation: now he was angry against Job, because he said he was just before God. [3] And he was angry with his friends because they had not found a reasonable answer, but only had condemned Job. [4] So Eliu waited while Job was speaking, because they were his elders that were speaking. [5] But when he saw that the three were not able to answer, he was exceedingly angry.

[6] Then Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: I am younger in days, and you are more ancient; therefore hanging down my head, I was afraid to shew you my opinion. [7] For I hoped that greater age would speak, and that a multitude of years would teach wisdom. [8] But, as I see, there is a spirit in men, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding. [9] They that are aged are not the wise men, neither do the ancients understand judgment. [10] Therefore I will speak: Hearken to me, I also will shew you my wisdom.

[11] For I have waited for your words, I have given ear to your wisdom, as long as you were disputing in words. [12] And as long as I thought you said some thing, I considered: but, as I see, there is none of you that can convince Job, and answer his words. [13] Lest you should say: We have found wisdom, God hath cast him down, not man. [14] He hath spoken nothing to me, and I will not answer him according to your words. [15] They were afraid, and answered no more, and they left off speaking.

[16] Therefore because I have waited, and they have not spoken: they stood, and answered no more: [17] I also will answer my part, and will shew my knowledge. [18] For I am full of matter to speak of, and the spirit of my bowels straiteneth me. [19] Behold, my belly is as new wine which wanteth vent, which bursteth the new vessels. [20] I will speak and take breath a little: I will open my lips, and will answer.

[21] I will not accept the person of man, and I will not level God with man. [22] For I know not how long I shall continue, and whether after a while my Maker may take me away.

Commentary

[21] “I will not level God with man”: Here Eliu considers that Job hath put himself on a level with God, by the manner he assumed to justify his own life in speaking to God as if he spoke to an equal: Eliu expresses in the following ver. 22 his fear of punishment hereafter for such an attempt.