1 S o these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous (upright and in right standing with God) in his own eyes.

2 E lihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became indignant. His indignation was kindled against Job because he justified himself rather than God.

3 A lso against three friends was anger kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet they had declared him to be in the wrong.

4 N ow Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he.

5 B ut when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men, he became angry.

6 T hen Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said, I am young, and you are aged; for that reason I was timid and restrained and dared not declare my opinion to you.

7 I said, Age should speak, and a multitude of years should teach wisdom.

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

9 I t is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.

10 S o I say, Listen to me; I also will give you my opinion and my knowledge.

11 Y ou see, I waited for your words, I listened to your wise reasons, while you searched out what to say.

12 Y es, I paid attention to what you said, and behold, not one of you convinced Job or made replies to his words.

13 B eware lest you say, We have found wisdom; God thrusts down, not man.

14 N ow has not directed his words against me, neither will I answer him with speeches like yours.

15 a re amazed and embarrassed, they answer no more; they have not a thing to say.

16 A nd shall I wait, because they say nothing but stand still and answer no more?

17 I also will answer my part; I also will declare my opinion and my knowledge.

18 F or I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.

19 M y breast is as wine that has no vent; like new wineskins, it is ready to burst.

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

21 I will not be influenced by respect for any man’s person and show partiality, neither will I flatter any man.

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