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 condemned him.
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 answer was aroused.
6
So 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 what I know.
7
I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.
8
But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty,
that gives him understanding.
9
It is not only the old 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.
11
I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning;
while you were searching for words.
12
I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job was wrong;
none of you has answered his arguments.
13
Do not say, 'We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not man.'
14
But Job has not marshaled his word 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.
16
Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?
17
I too will have my say; I too will tell you what I know.
18
For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
19
inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.
20
I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.
21
I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter any man;
22
for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.