So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 1
But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. 2
He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. 3
Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. 4
But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused. 5
So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: "I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know. 6
I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.' 7
But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. 8
It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right. 9
"Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know. 10
I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words, 11
I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments. 12
Do not say, 'We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not man.' 13
But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. 14
"They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them. 15
Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply? 16
I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know. 17
For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me; 18
inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst. 19
I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply. 20
I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter any man; 21
for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away. 22