1These three men stopped answering Job because Job thought he was righteous. 2Then Elihu, son of Barachel, a descendant of Buz from the family of Ram, became very angry with Job because Job thought he was more righteous than God. 3Elihu was also very angry with Job's three friends because they had found no answer. They made it look as if God were wrong. 4Elihu waited as they spoke to Job because they were older than he was. 5When Elihu saw that the three men had no further responses, he became very angry. The Reason for Elihu's Discourse

6So Elihu, son of Barachel, the descendant of Buz, replied [to Job], "I am young, and you are old. That's why I refrained from speaking and was afraid to tell you what I know.

7I thought, 'Age should speak, and experience should teach wisdom.'

8However, there is in humans a Spirit, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.

9People do not become wise merely because they live long. They don't understand what justice is merely because they're old.

10"That is why I say, 'Listen to me! Let me tell you what I know.'

11I waited for you to speak. I listened for you to share your understanding until you could find the right words.

12I've paid close attention to you, but none of you refuted Job. None of you has an answer to what he says.

13So don't say, 'We've found wisdom. Let God, not humans, defeat him.'

14Job did not choose his words to refute me, so I won't answer him with your speeches.

15"Job's friends have been overwhelmed and don't have any more answers. They don't have another word to say.

16Should I wait because they don't speak, because they stand there and don't have any more answers?

17"I'll give my answer. I'll tell you what I know.

18I'm full of words. The Spirit within me forces me [to speak].

19My belly is like [a bottle of] wine that has not been opened, like new wineskins that are ready to burst.

20I must speak to get relief. I must open my mouth and answer.

21I won't be partial toward anyone or flatter anyone.

22I don't know how to flatter. If I did, my maker would soon carry me away.