Elihu Contradicts Job’s Friends

32 So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was arighteous in his own eyes. 2 Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the bBuzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he cjustified himself rather than God. 3 Also against his three friends his wrath was aroused, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

4 Now because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited 1to speak to Job. 5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was aroused.

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

“I am dyoung in years, and you are very old;

Therefore I was afraid,

And dared not declare my opinion to you.

7 I said, 2‘Age should speak,

And multitude of years should teach wisdom.’

8 But there is a spirit in man,

And ethe breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.

9 fGreat 3men are not always wise,

Nor do the aged always understand justice.

10 “Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me,

I also will declare my opinion.’

11 Indeed I waited for your words,

I listened to your reasonings, while you searched out what to say.

12 I paid close attention to you;

And surely not one of you convinced Job,

Or answered his words—

13 gLest you say,

‘We have found wisdom’;

God will vanquish him, not man.

14 Now he has not 4directed his words against me;

So I will not answer him with your words.

15 “They are dismayed and answer no more;

Words escape them.

16 And I have waited, because they did not speak,

Because they stood still and answered no more.

17 I also will answer my part,

I too will declare my opinion.

18 For I am full of words;

The spirit within me compels me.

19 Indeed my 5belly is like wine that has no 6vent;

It is ready to burst like new wineskins.

20 I will speak, that I may find relief;

I must open my lips and answer.

21 Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone;

Nor let me flatter any man.

22 For I do not know how to flatter,

Else my Maker would soon take me haway.