Then they sat down with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights, yet no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.

Job spoke up and said:

"Therefore, I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Then Bildad the Shuhite spoke up and said:

"How long will you speak these things, seeing that the words of your mouth are like a great wind?

Will they not instruct you and speak to you, and bring forth words from their understanding?

Then would I speak and not fear him, but it is not so with me.

"I am weary of my life; I will complain without restraint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:

But if only God would speak, if only he would open his lips against you,

Or speak to the earth and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea declare to you.

He deprives the trusted advisers of speech and takes away the discernment of elders.

But I wish to speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.

Will you speak wickedly on God's behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him?

"Refrain from talking with me so that I may speak; then let come to me what may.

Then call, and I will answer, or I will speak, and you respond to me.

I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could pile up words against you and I could shake my head at you.

"But if I speak, my pain is not relieved, and if I refrain from speaking -- how much of it goes away?

Bear with me and I will speak, and after I have spoken you may mock.

my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will whisper no deceit.

Then Job continued his speech:

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: "I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful, and afraid to explain to you what I know.

I said to myself, 'Age should speak, and length of years should make wisdom known.'

Look, I waited for you to speak; I listened closely to your wise thoughts,while you were searching for words.

And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more,

I will speak, so that I may find relief; I will open my lips, so that I may answer.

Pay attention, Job -- listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.

If you have any words, reply to me; speak, for I want to justify you.

"Be patient with me a little longer and I will instruct you, for I still have words to speak on God's behalf.

With my knowledge I will speak comprehensively, and to my Creator I will ascribe righteousness.

Should he be informed that I want to speak? If a man speaks, surely he would be swallowed up!

Will it make numerous supplications to you, will it speak to you with tender words?

You said, 'Pay attention, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.'