Elihu Answers in Anger

1Then these three men ceased answering Job because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned; against Job his anger burned because he was proving himself righteous [†]before God. 3And his anger burned against his three friends because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 4Now Elihu had waited with his words for Job because they were years older than he. 5Then Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, so his anger burned.

6So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said,

“I am young in years and you are old;

Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you my knowledge.

7I [†]thought [†]age should speak,

And [†]increased years should make wisdom known.

8But it is a spirit in man,

And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

9The [†]abundant in years may not be wise,

Nor may elders understand justice.

10So I [†]say, ‘Listen to me,

I too will tell my knowledge.’

11“Behold, I waited for your words,

I gave ear to your reasonings,

While you searched out what to say.

12I even carefully considered you;

And behold, there was no one who reproved Job,

Not one of you who answered his words.

13Lest you say,

‘We have found wisdom;

God will drive him away, not man.’

14Now he has not arranged his words against me,

Nor will I respond to him with your words.

15“They are dismayed; they no longer answer;

Words have moved away from them.

16Shall I wait, because they do not speak,

Because they stand still and no longer answer?

17I myself will also answer my share;

I also will tell my knowledge.

18For I am full of words;

The spirit within my belly presses me.

19Behold, my belly is like unvented wine, not opened;

Like new wineskins it is about to burst.

20Let me speak that I may get relief;

Let me open my lips and answer.

21Let me now be partial to no one,

Nor flatter any man.

22For I do not know how to flatter,

Else my Maker would soon carry me away.