1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite of the clan of Ram became very angry. He was angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.
3 He was also angry with his three friends because they had not found an answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his anger was aroused.
6 Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite responded and said: “I am young in days and you are old; that is why I was timid and dared not to tell what I know.
7 I thought, ‘Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.’
8 But there is a spirit in people, the breath of Shaddai that gives them understanding.
9 It is not only the aged who are wise or old men who understand justice.
10 “Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me! I, even I, will explain what I know.’
11 Look, I waited for your words, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words
12 I gave you my full attention. But behold, no one proved Job wrong; none among you, answered his statements.
13 Lest you should say, ‘We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not man!’
14 Job has not directed his words to me and I will not respond to him with your arguments.
15 “They are dismayed and no longer reply; words have failed them.
16 Must I wait, since they no longer speak since they stand there with no reply?
17 I too will answer my part; I too will declare what I know.
18 For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
19 inside I am like wine that has no opening, like new wineskins ready to burst.
20 I must speak that I may find relief; I will open my lips that I may answer.
21 I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter anyone;
22 for I do not know how to flatter else my Maker would quickly carry me away!