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

2 B ut the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram burned; against Job his anger burned because he justified himself before God.

3 A nd his anger burned against his three friends because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

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

5 A nd when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men his anger burned.

6 S o Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think.

7 “ I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom.

8 “ But it is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

9 “ The abundant in years may not be wise, Nor may elders understand justice.

10 “ So I say, ‘Listen to me, I too will tell what I think.’

11 “ Behold, I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, While you pondered what to say.

12 “ I even paid close attention to you; Indeed, there was no one who refuted Job, Not one of you who answered his words.

13 “ Do not say, ‘ We have found wisdom; God will rout him, not man.’

14 “ For he has not arranged his words against me, Nor will I reply to him with your arguments.

15 “ They are dismayed, they no longer answer; Words have failed them.

16 “ Shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stop and no longer answer?

17 “ I too will answer my share, I also will tell my opinion.

18 “ For I am full of words; The spirit within me constrains me.

19 “ Behold, my belly is like unvented wine, Like new wineskins it is about to burst.

20 “ Let me speak that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer.

21 “ Let me now be partial to no one, Nor flatter any man.

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