1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he considered himself innocent.
2Then Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, from the family of Ram, became angry with Job. He was angry because Job justified himself rather than God.
3He was also angry with Job’s three friends, because they had found no answer, yet they had condemned Job.
4Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he was.
5When Elihu saw that these three men had no more to say, he became angry.
6Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite responded, “I am young, and you are very old; that’s why I held back and didn’t dare to tell you my opinion.
7I thought, ‘Age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.’
8But there is a spirit in people, and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.
9It is not only the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right.
10Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me; I, too, will share my opinion.’
11“Look, I waited for your words; I listened to your arguments while you searched for what to say.
12Yes, I paid close attention to you, but none of you could convince Job, or answer his words.
13Don’t say, ‘We have found wisdom; God, not man, will prove him wrong;’
14for he has not directed his words against me; nor will I answer him using your arguments.
15“They are stunned. They answer no more. They have nothing left to say.
16Should I wait because they aren't speaking, because they stand still and no longer answer?
17I will also give my answer, and I will share my opinion.
18Because I am full of words. The spirit inside me compels me.
19Look, my chest is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins, it's about to burst.
20I will speak so that I can feel relieved. I will open my lips and answer.
21Please, let me not show favoritism to anyone, nor will I use flattering titles for anyone.
22For I don't know how to use flattering titles; otherwise, my Maker would quickly take my life.