Elihu Rebukes Job
1So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes [and could not be persuaded otherwise by them]. 2 But Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became indignant. His indignation was kindled and burned and he became upset with Job because he justified himself rather than God [and even expressed doubts about God’s character]. 3 Elihu’s anger burned against Job’s three friends because they had found no answer [and were unable to determine Job’s error], and yet they had condemned Job and declared him to be in the wrong [and responsible for his own afflictions]. 4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were years older than he. 5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men, he burned with anger.
6 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite said,
“I am young, and you are aged;
For that reason I was anxious and dared not tell you what I think.
7
“I thought age should speak,
And a multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8
“But there is [a vital force and] a spirit [of intelligence] in man,
And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.
9
“Those [who are] abundant in years may not [always] be wise,
Nor may the elders [always] understand justice.
10
“Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me;
I also will give you my opinion [about Job’s situation] and tell you plainly what I think.’
11
“You see, I waited for your words,
I listened to your [wise] reasons,
While you pondered and searched out what to say.
12
“I even paid close attention to [what] you [said],
Indeed, not one of you convinced Job [nor could you refute him],
Not one of you supplied [satisfactory] answers to his words.
13
“Beware if you say,
‘We have found wisdom;
God thrusts Job down [justly], not man [for God alone is dealing with him].’
14
“Now Job has not directed his words against me [therefore I have no reason to be offended],
Nor will I answer him with arguments like yours. [I speak for truth, not for revenge.]
15
“They (Job’s friends) are dismayed and embarrassed, they no longer answer;
The words have moved away and failed them,” [says Elihu].
16
“And shall I wait, because they say nothing,
But stand still and say no more?
17
“I too will give my share of answers;
I too will express my opinion and share my knowledge.
18
“For I am full of words;
The spirit within me constrains me.
19
“My belly is like unvented wine;
Like new wineskins it is about to burst.
20
“I must speak so that I may get relief;
I will open my lips and answer.
21
“I will not [I warn you] be partial to any man [that is, let my respect for you mitigate what I say];
Nor flatter any man.
22
“For I do not know how to flatter, [in an appropriate way, and I fear that],
My Maker would soon take me away.