Young Elihu Speaks
32 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.’[a]
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!