Elihu contradicts Job's friends
1
So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2
This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God,
3
and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.
4
Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he.
5
But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled.
6
So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.
7
I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.
8
But there is a spirit (a) in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
9
It is not only the old (b) who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.
10
Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’
11
Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words,
12
I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments.
13
So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’
14
But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
15
Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them.
16
Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?
17
I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.
18
For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.
19
Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin.
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I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.
21
I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man.
22
For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.
Footnotes