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 Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused; his wrath was aroused against Job because he justified himself rather than God.
3 His wrath was aroused also against his three friends because they had found no answer and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited until Job had spoken because they were older than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was aroused.
6 Elihu the son of Barakel the Buzite answered: “I am young,and you are very old;therefore I was afraidand dared not show you my opinion.
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 judgment.
10 “Therefore I say,‘Listen to me; I will also declare my opinion.’
11 Indeed, I waited for your words;I listened to your reasons,while you searched out what to say.
12 Yes, I paid attention to you;and surely none of you convinced Jobor answered his words.
13 Lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom’;God will subdue him, not man.
14 Now he has not directed his words against me,so I will not answer him with your speeches.
15 “They are amazed; they answer no more;they cease speaking.
16 And I have waited,(for they did not speak, but stood still and answered no more).
17 I said, ‘I also will answer my part;I too will show my opinion.’
18 For I am full of words;the spirit within me compels me.
19 See, my belly is like wine that has no vent;it is ready to burst like new wineskins.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed;I will open my lips and answer.
21 Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone,nor let me give flattering titles to man.
22 For I do not know how to give flattering titles;in so doing my Maker would soon take me away.