[1] So these three men refused to answer Job further, because he was righteous in his own eyes. [2] Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry. He was angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. [3] With Job's three friends he was also angry, because they could not find an answer, and so declared Job guilty. [4] Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job, because the others were older than he was. [5] But when Elihu saw that the three men had no further reply, he became very angry. [6] So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: "I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful, and afraid to explain to you what I know. [7] I said to myself, 'Age should speak, and length of years should make wisdom known.' [8] But it is a spirit in people, the breath of the Almighty, that makes them understand. [9] It is not the aged who are wise, nor old men who understand what is right. [10] Therefore I say, 'Listen to me. I, even I, will explain what I know.' [11] Look, I waited for you to speak; I listened closely to your wise thoughts, while you were searching for words. [12] Now I was paying you close attention, yet there was no one proving Job wrong, not one of you was answering his statements. [13] So do not say, 'We have found wisdom. God will refute him, not man.' [14] Job has not directed his words to me, and so I will not reply to him with your arguments. [15] "They are dismayed and cannot answer anymore; they have nothing left to say. [16] And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more, [17] I too will answer my part, I too will explain what I know. [18] For I am full of words, and the spirit within me constrains me. [19] Inside I am like wine that has no outlet, like new wineskins ready to burst! [20] I will speak, so that I may find relief; I will open my lips, so that I may answer. [21] I will not show partiality to any person, nor will I confer a title on anyone. [22] For I do not know how to give honorary titles, if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.
