But it is a spirit in man
and the breath of the Almighty
that give him understanding.

So these three men quit answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite from the family of Ram became angry. He was angry at Job because he had justified himself rather than God.

I will be partial to no one,
and I will not give anyone an undeserved title.

So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite replied:

I am young in years,
while you are old;
therefore I was timid and afraid
to tell you what I know.

For I am full of words,
and my spirit compels me to speak.

My heart is like unvented wine;
it is about to burst like new wineskins.

It is not only the old who are wise
or the elderly who understand how to judge.

I thought that age should speak
and maturity should teach wisdom.

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were all older than he.

He was also angry at Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute him and yet had condemned him.

Look, I waited for your conclusions;
I listened to your insights
as you sought for words.

But when he saw that the three men could not answer Job, he became angry.

But Job has not directed his argument to me,
and I will not respond to him with your arguments.

So do not claim, “We have found wisdom;
let God deal with him, not man.”

Job’s friends are dismayed and can no longer answer;
words have left them.

I paid close attention to you.
Yet no one proved Job wrong;
not one of you refuted his arguments.

Therefore I say, “Listen to me.
I too will declare what I know.”

Should I continue to wait now that they are silent,
now that they stand there and no longer answer?

For I do not know how to give such titles;
otherwise, my Maker would remove me in an instant.

I too will answer;
yes, I will tell what I know.

I must speak so that I can find relief;
I must open my lips and respond.