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

[2] Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he justified himself rather than God.

[3] Also against his three friends his wrath was aroused, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

[4] Now because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Job.

[5] When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was aroused.

[6] So Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: “I am young in years, and you are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And dared not declare my opinion to you.

[7] I said, ‘Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.’

[8] But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.

[9] Great men are not always wise, Nor do the aged always understand justice.

[10] “Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me, I also will declare my opinion.’

[11] Indeed I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, while you searched out what to say.

[12] I paid close attention to you; And surely not one of you convinced Job, Or answered his words—

[13] Lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom’; God will vanquish him, not man.

[14] Now he has not directed his words against me; So I will not answer him with your words.

[15] “They are dismayed and answer no more; Words escape them.

[16] And I have waited, because they did not speak, Because they stood still and answered no more.

[17] I also will answer my part, I too will declare my opinion.

[18] For I am full of words; The spirit within me compels me.

[19] Indeed my belly is like wine that has no vent; It is ready to burst like new wineskins.

[20] I will speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.

[21] Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man.

[22] For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.

Job — Chapters