Elilihu's intrusion

1So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2Then Eli'hu the son of Bar'achel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became angry. He was angry at Job because he justified himself rather than God; 3he was angry also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong. 4Now Eli'hu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5And when Eli'hu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he became angry.

6And Eli'hu the son of Bar'achel the Buzite answered:

“I am young in years,

and you are aged;

therefore I was timid and afraid

to declare my opinion to you.

7I said, ‘Let days speak,

and many years teach wisdom.’

8But it is the spirit in a man,

the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.

9It is not the old32.9 Gk Syr Vg: Heb many that are wise,

nor the aged that understand what is right.

10Therefore 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.

12I gave you my attention,

and, behold, there was none that confuted Job,

or that answered his words, among you.

13Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom;

God may vanquish him, not man.’

14He has not directed his words against me,

and I will not answer him with your speeches.

15“They are discomfited, they answer no more;

they have not a word to say.

16And shall I wait, because they do not speak,

because they stand there, and answer no more?

17I also will give my answer;

I also will declare my opinion.

18For I am full of words,

the spirit within me constrains me.

19Behold, my heart is like wine that has no vent;

like new wineskins, it is ready to burst.

20I must speak, that I may find relief;

I must open my lips and answer.

21I will not show partiality to any person

or use flattery toward any man.

22For I do not know how to flatter,

else would my Maker soon put an end to me.