1 So these three men ceased to answer Job because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, was kindled; 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 until Job had spoken because they were all elder than he. 5 But 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 younger, and ye are older; therefore, I was afraid, and I feared to declare unto you my opinion. 7 I said, Days shall speak, and the multitude of years shall declare wisdom. 8 Certainly 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, Hearken to me; I also will declare my knowledge.
11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your arguments, while ye searched out what to say. 12 Even so, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you to reprove Job or to answer his words. 13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom; it is needful that God thrust him down, and not man. 14 Now he has not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with your reasons.
15 They were amazed, they answered no more; they left off speaking. 16 And I waited, (for they did not speak, but stopped, and answered no more); 17 I said, I will also answer my part, I will also declare my opinion. 18 For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. 19 Behold, my belly is as wine which has no vent; it is ready to burst forth like spirits. 20 I will speak, that I may be able to breathe; I will open my lips and answer. 21 I will not now be a respecter of persons, neither will I give flattering titles unto man. 22 For I do not know how to give flattering titles; otherwise my maker would soon take me away.