| 1 | So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. | |
| 2 | Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he justified himself rather than God. | |
| 3 | Also against his three friends his wrath was aroused, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. | |
| 4 | Now because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Job. | |
| 5 | When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was aroused. | |
| 6 | So Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: "I am young in years, and you are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And dared not declare my opinion to you. | |
| 7 | I said, 'Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.' | |
| 8 | But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. | |
| 9 | Great men are not always wise, Nor do the aged always understand justice. | |
| 10 | "Therefore I say, 'Listen to me, I also will declare my opinion.' | |
| 11 | Indeed I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, while you searched out what to say. | |
| 12 | I paid close attention to you; And surely not one of you convinced Job, Or answered his words-- | |
| 13 | Lest you say, 'We have found wisdom'; God will vanquish him, not man. | |
| 14 | Now he has not directed his words against me; So I will not answer him with your words. | |
| 15 | "They are dismayed and answer no more; Words escape them. | |
| 16 | And I have waited, because they did not speak, Because they stood still and answered no more. | |
| 17 | I also will answer my part, I too will declare my opinion. | |
| 18 | For I am full of words; The spirit within me compels me. | |
| 19 | Indeed my belly is like wine that has no vent; It is ready to burst like new wineskins. | |
| 20 | I will speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer. | |
| 21 | Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man. | |
| 22 | For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away. | |