1 Elihu Contradicts Job’s Friends So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was Job 6:29; 31:6; 33:9 righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Gen. 22:21 Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he Job 27:5, 6 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 Lev. 19:32 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 1 Kin. 3:12; 4:29; (Job 35:11; 38:36; Prov. 2:6; Eccl. 2:26; Dan. 1:17; 2:21; Matt. 11:25; James 1:5) the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.
9 (1 Cor. 1:26) 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 (Jer. 9:23;1 Cor. 1:29) 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 Job 27:8 away.