Elihu

1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. 3He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.32:3 Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition Job, and so had condemned God 4Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. 5But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.

6So 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.

7I thought, “Age should speak;

advanced years should teach wisdom.”

8But it is the spirit32:8 Or Spirit; also in verse 18 in a person,

the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.

9It is not only the old32:9 Or many; or great 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.

11I waited while you spoke,

I listened to your reasoning;

while you were searching for words,

12I gave you my full attention.

But not one of you has proved Job wrong;

none of you has answered his arguments.

13Do not say, “We have found wisdom;

let God, not a man, refute him.”

14But Job has not marshalled 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.

16Must I wait, now that they are silent,

now that they stand there with no reply?

17I too will have my say;

I too will tell what I know.

18For I am full of words,

and the spirit within me compels me;

19inside I am like bottled-up wine,

like new wineskins ready to burst.

20I must speak and find relief;

I must open my lips and reply.

21I will show no partiality,

nor will I flatter anyone;

22for if I were skilled in flattery,

my Maker would soon take me away.