Job

¹ So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

² But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.

³ He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.

⁴ Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.

⁵ But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.

⁶ “I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know.

⁷ advanced years should teach wisdom.’

⁸ the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

⁹ not only the aged who understand what is right.

¹⁰ I too will tell you what I know.

¹¹ I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words,

¹² But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.

¹³ let God refute him, not man.’

¹⁴ and I will not answer him with your arguments.

¹⁵ words have failed them.

¹⁶ now that they stand there with no reply?

¹⁷ I too will tell what I know.

¹⁸ and the spirit within me compels me;

¹⁹ like new wineskins ready to burst.

²⁰ I must open my lips and reply.

²¹ nor will I flatter any man;

²² my Maker would soon take me away.