Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends
1 So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God, 3 and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.
4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. 5 But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. 6 So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared:
“I am young in years,
while you are old;
that is why I was timid and afraid
to tell you what I know.
7I thought that age should speak,
and many years should teach wisdom.
8But there is a spirit in a man,
the breath of the Almighty,
that gives him understanding.
9It is not only the old who are wise,
or the elderly who understand justice.
10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;
I too will declare what I know.’
11Indeed, I waited while you spoke;
I listened to your reasoning;
as you searched for words,
12I paid you full attention.
But no one proved Job wrong;
not one of you rebutted his arguments.
13So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom;
let God, not man, refute him.’
14But Job has not directed his words against me,
and I will not answer him with your arguments.
15Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say;
words have escaped them.
16Must I wait, now that they are silent,
now that they stand and no longer reply?
17I too will answer;
yes, I will declare what I know.
18For I am full of words,
and my spirit within me compels me.
19Behold, my belly is like unvented wine;
it is about to burst like a new wineskin.
20I must speak and find relief;
I must open my lips and respond.
21I will be partial to no one,
nor will I flatter any man.
22For I do not know how to flatter,
or my Maker would remove me in an instant.