1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was v righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu the son of Barachel w the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself x rather than God. 3 He burned with anger also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, although they had y declared Job to be in the wrong. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.
6
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said:
"I am young in years,
and you are z aged;
therefore I was timid and afraid
to declare my opinion to you.
7
I said, 'Let days speak,
and many years teach wisdom.'
8
But it is a the spirit in man,
b the breath of the Almighty, that makes him c understand.
9
d It is not the old 1 who are wise,
nor the aged who understand what is right.
10
Therefore I say, 'Listen to me;
let me also declare my opinion.'
11
"Behold, I waited for your words,
I listened for your wise sayings,
while you searched out what to say.
12
I gave you my attention,
and, behold, there was none among you who refuted Job
or who answered his words.
13
Beware e lest you say, 'We have found wisdom;
God may vanquish him, not a man.'
14
He has not directed his words against me,
and I will not answer him with your speeches.
15
"They are dismayed; they answer no more;
they have not a word to say.
16
And shall I wait, because they do not speak,
because they stand there, and answer no more?
17
I also will answer with my share;
I also will declare my opinion.
18
For I am full of words;
the spirit within me constrains me.
19
Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent;
like new f wineskins ready to burst.
20
g I must speak, that I may find h relief;
I must open my lips and answer.
21
I will not i show partiality to any man
or use flattery toward any person.
22
For I do not know how to flatter,
else my Maker would soon take me away.