1“Job, please, hear and pay attention to all my words. 2Take note as I (Elihu) break my silence, and begin my comments. 3My words shall come from my heart; as I sincerely try to express what I believe is true. 4The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life. 5If you can answer me, stand up and make your case before me. 6I am just like you before God, I am also formed out of the clay. 7I shall not try to intimidate you, nor my pressure be heavy upon you.

8“But you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard your very words, as you said, 9‘I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; nor is there iniquity in me. 10Yet God finds occasions against me, He considers me his enemy, 11He puts my feet in the stocks, He marks my every move.’

12“But in this you are wrong; and I must answer you, that God is greater than any man. 13Why do you contend with Him? He does not have to account to anyone for any of His actions. 14For God speaks in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it - 15In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, as they lie upon their bed; 16Then He may speak to men’s ears, and often giving them warning or instruction, 17That He may turn man from his intent, and keep him from pride. 18He keeps his soul from the grave, and from dying by the sword.

19“Man is also disciplined by pain upon his sickbed, and with much aching in his bones, 20So that his body finds food repulsive and even the choicest food has no appeal for him.21His flesh wastes away so that his bones, that had not been prominent, now stick out. 22He is at death’s door; and angel of death draws him near to the pit (grave).

23“Yet if there is an angel with him, a mediator, a special messenger, to show him what is right for him, 24And He is gracious to him, and says, ‘Rescue him from the grave; I have found a ransom, (or reason for his redemption)’. 25Then his flesh shall be fresher than a child's; he shall return to the days of his youth: 26He shall pray unto God, and He will be favorable unto him; and he shall see His face with joy; for He will restore to the man His righteousness. 27Then he will go to other men and say, ‘I have sinned, and perverted what is right, and still I did not get what I deserved. 28He has rescued my soul from the grave, and my life is filled with light’. 29God does all these things time and again for people, 30To bring them back from the grave, to be enlightened with the light of life.

31“Mark well, Job, listen to me; hold your peace, while I speak. 32If you have anything to say, speak up, for I would like to vindicate you. 33But if not, hold your peace; hear me and I shall teach you wisdom.”