1 S o these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

2 T hen the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he justified himself rather than God.

3 A lso against his three friends his wrath was aroused, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

4 N ow because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Job.

5 W hen Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was aroused.

6 S o Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: “I am young in years, and you are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And dared not declare my opinion to you.

7 I said, ‘Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.’

8 B ut there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.

9 G reat men are not always wise, Nor do the aged always understand justice.

10 “ Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me, I also will declare my opinion.’

11 I ndeed I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, while you searched out what to say.

12 I paid close attention to you; And surely not one of you convinced Job, Or answered his words—

13 L est you say, ‘We have found wisdom’; God will vanquish him, not man.

14 N ow he has not directed his words against me; So I will not answer him with your words.

15 “ They are dismayed and answer no more; Words escape them.

16 A nd I have waited, because they did not speak, Because they stood still and answered no more.

17 I also will answer my part, I too will declare my opinion.

18 F or I am full of words; The spirit within me compels me.

19 I ndeed my belly is like wine that has no vent; It is ready to burst like new wineskins.

20 I will speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.

21 L et me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man.

22 F or I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.