1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.
3 He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. [^1]
4 Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.
5 But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
6 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.
7 I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.'
8 But it is the spirit "in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
9 It is not only the old "who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.
10 "Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know.
11 I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words,
12 I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.
13 Do not say, 'We have found wisdom; let God, not a man, refute him.'
14 But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
15 "They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them.
16 Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?
17 I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know.
18 For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
19 inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.
20 I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.
21 I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter anyone;
22 for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.
1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and you are very old; why I was afraid, and dared not show you my opinion.
7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding.
9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
10 Therefore I said, Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.
11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst you searched out what to say.
12 Yes, I attended to you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
13 Lest you should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusts him down, not man.
14 Now he has not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
16 When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will show my opinion.
18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constrains me.
19 Behold, my belly is as wine which has no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man' person, neither let me give flattering titles to man.
22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.