Elihu Rebukes Job’s Three Friends
1 So these three men ceased to answer 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, burned against Job. His wrath burned because he justified himself rather than God. 3 Also his wrath burned against his three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were the elder to him. 5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath burned.
6 Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered,
“I am young, and you are very old,
therefore I held back and did not dare show you my opinion.
7 I said, ‘Days should speak,
and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’
8 But there is a spirit in man,
and the Spirit of the Almighty gives them understanding.
9 It is not the great who are wise,
nor the aged who understand justice.
10 Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me.
I also will show my opinion.’
11 I waited for your words,
and I listened for your reasoning,
while you searched out what to say.
12 Yes, I gave you my full attention,
but there was no one who convinced Job
or who answered his words, among you.
13 Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom.
God may refute him, not man,’
14 for he has not directed his words against me,
nor will I answer him with your speeches.
15 They are amazed. They no longer answered.
They do not have a word to say.
16 Shall I wait, because they do not speak,
because they stand still and no longer answer?
17 I also will answer my part,
and I also will show my opinion,
18 for I am full of words.
The spirit within me constrains me.
19 My breast is like wine which has no vent.
Like new wineskins, it is ready to burst.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed.
I will open my lips and answer.
21 Please do not let me show partiality to any man,
nor give flattering titles to anyone.
22 For I do not know how to give flattering titles,
or else my Maker would soon take me away.”