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1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned. His anger burned against Job because he justified himself rather than God. 3 His anger also burned against Job's three friends, because they had found no answer and yet had condemned Job. 4 Elihu had waited before speaking to Job, because they were older than he was. 5 But when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of the three men, his anger burned.
6 Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said,
“I am young in years, and you are aged;
so I held back and was afraid to tell you what I know.
7 I said, ‘Let days speak, and many years make wisdom known.’
8 But it is the spirit in a mortal, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
9 Those of many years are not always wise, nor do elders understand justice.
10 So I say, listen to me;
I too will tell what I know.
11 Look, I waited for your words;
I listened to your reasonings while you searched for words.
12 I paid attention to you, but look, none of you refuted Job or answered his words.
13 Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom;
God will drive him back, not man.’
14 He has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
15 They are dismayed;
they answer no more.
Words have left them.
16 Should I keep waiting because they do not speak, because they stand still and answer no more?
17 I too will answer my part;
I too will tell what I know.
18 For I am full of words;
the spirit within my belly presses me.
19 Look, my belly is like wine with no vent;
like new wineskins, it is ready to burst.
20 I will speak and find relief;
I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me show partiality to no one, nor give anyone flattering titles.
22 For I do not know how to give flattering titles;
my Maker would soon carry me away.