[1] Then Job's three friends gave up trying to answer him, because he was so sure that he was innocent. [2] But there was a young man there named Elihu son of Barakel. He was a descendant of a man named Buz. Elihu was from the family of Ram. He became very angry because Job kept saying he was innocent-that he was right and God was wrong. [3] Elihu was also angry with Job's three friends because they could not answer him, and yet they still considered him guilty of doing wrong. [4] Elihu was the youngest one there, so he had waited until everyone finished talking. [5] But when he saw that Job's three friends had nothing more to say, his anger forced him to speak. [6] So here's what Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: "I am only a young man, and you are all older. That is why I was afraid to tell you what I think. [7] I thought to myself, 'Older people should speak first. They have lived many years, so they have learned many things.' [8] But it is the spirit in people, the breath from God All-Powerful, that makes them understand. [9] Old men are not the only wise people. They are not the only ones who understand what is right. [10] "So please listen to me, and I will tell you what I think. [11] I waited patiently while you men talked. I listened to the answers you gave as you searched for the right words. [12] I listened carefully to what you said. Not one of you proved Job wrong. Not one of you answered his arguments. [13] You men cannot say that you have found wisdom. The answer to Job's arguments must come from God, not people. [14] Job was arguing with you, not me, so I will not use your arguments to answer him. [15] "Job, these men lost the argument. They don't have anything more to say. They don't have any more answers. [16] I waited for them to answer you. But now they are quiet. They stand there with nothing more to say. [17] So now I will give you my answer. Yes, I will tell you what I think. [18] I have so much to say that I cannot hold it in. [19] I feel like a jar of wine that has never been opened. I am like a new wineskin ready to burst. [20] I must speak so that I will feel better. I must answer your arguments. [21] I will treat you the same as I would treat anyone else. I will not praise you to win your favor. [22] I cannot treat one person better than another. If I did, God my Maker would punish me!
