1 Elihu
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.[a] 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: 6 "I am young in years, 6 and you are old; 6 that is why I was fearful, 6 not daring to tell you what I know.
7 I thought, 'Age should speak; 7 advanced years should teach wisdom.'
8 But it is the spirit[b] in mortals, 8 the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
9 It is not only the old[c] who are wise, 9 not only the aged who understand what is right.
10 "Therefore I say: Listen to me; 10 I too will tell you what I know.
11 I waited while you spoke, 11 I listened to your reasoning; 11 while you were searching for words, 12 I gave you my full attention. 12 But not one of you has proved Job wrong; 12 none of you has answered his arguments.
13 Do not say, 'We have found wisdom; 13 let God refute him, not a mere mortal.'
14 But Job has not marshaled his words against me, 14 and I will not answer him with your arguments.
15 "They are dismayed and have no more to say; 15 words have failed them.
16 Must I wait, now that they are silent, 16 now that they stand there with no reply?
17 I too will have my say; 17 I too will tell what I know.
18 For I am full of words, 18 and the spirit within me compels me;
19 inside I am like bottled-up wine, 19 like new wineskins ready to burst.
20 I must speak and find relief; 20 I must open my lips and reply.
21 I will show no partiality, 21 nor will I flatter anyone;
22 for if I were skilled in flattery, 22 my Maker would soon take me away.
