[1] These three men stopped answering Job because Job thought he was righteous. [2] Then Elihu, son of Barachel, a descendant of Buz from the family of Ram, became very angry with Job because Job thought he was more righteous than God. [3] Elihu was also very angry with Job's three friends because they had found no answer. They made it look as if God were wrong. [4] Elihu waited as they spoke to Job because they were older than he was. [5] When Elihu saw that the three men had no further responses, he became very angry. [6] So Elihu, son of Barachel, the descendant of Buz, replied to Job, "I am young, and you are old. That's why I refrained from speaking and was afraid to tell you what I know. [7] I thought, 'Age should speak, and experience should teach wisdom.' [8] However, there is in humans a Spirit, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. [9] People do not become wise merely because they live long. They don't understand what justice is merely because they're old. [10] "That is why I say, 'Listen to me! Let me tell you what I know.' [11] I waited for you to speak. I listened for you to share your understanding until you could find the right words. [12] I've paid close attention to you, but none of you refuted Job. None of you has an answer to what he says. [13] So don't say, 'We've found wisdom. Let God, not humans, defeat him.' [14] Job did not choose his words to refute me, so I won't answer him with your speeches. [15] "Job's friends have been overwhelmed and don't have any more answers. They don't have another word to say. [16] Should I wait because they don't speak, because they stand there and don't have any more answers? [17] "I'll give my answer. I'll tell you what I know. [18] I'm full of words. The Spirit within me forces me to speak. [19] My belly is like a bottle of wine that has not been opened, like new wineskins that are ready to burst. [20] I must speak to get relief. I must open my mouth and answer. [21] I won't be partial toward anyone or flatter anyone. [22] I don't know how to flatter. If I did, my maker would soon carry me away.
