¹SO THESE three men ceased to answer Job, because he was [rigidly] righteous (upright and in right standing with God) in his own eyes. [But there was a fifth man there also.]

²Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became indignant. His indignation was kindled against Job because he justified himself rather than God [even made himself out to be better than God].

³Also against [Job's] three friends was [Elihu's] anger kindled, because they had found no answer [were unable to show his real error], and yet they had declared him to be in the wrong [and responsible for his own afflictions].

⁴Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he.

⁵But when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men, he became angry.

⁶Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said, I am young, and you are aged; for that reason I was timid and restrained and dared not declare my opinion to you.

⁷I said, Age should speak, and a multitude of years should teach wisdom [so let it be heard].

⁸But there is [a vital force] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives men understanding. [Prov. 2:6.]

⁹It is not the great [necessarily] who are wise, nor [always] the aged who understand justice.

¹⁰So I say, Listen to me; I also will give you my opinion [about Job's situation] and my knowledge.

¹¹You see, I waited for your words, I listened to your wise reasons, while you searched out what to say.

¹²Yes, I paid attention to what you said, and behold, not one of you convinced Job or made [satisfactory] replies to his words [you could not refute him].

¹³Beware lest you say, We have found wisdom; God thrusts [Job] down [justly], not man [God alone is dealing with him].

¹⁴Now [Job] has not directed his words against me [therefore I have no cause for irritation], neither will I answer him with speeches like yours. [I speak for truth, not for revenge.]

¹⁵[Job's friends] are amazed and embarrassed, they answer no more; they have not a thing to say [reports Elihu].

¹⁶And shall I wait, because they say nothing but stand still and answer no more?

¹⁷I also will answer my [God-assigned] part; I also will declare my opinion and my knowledge.

¹⁸For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.

¹⁹My breast is as wine that has no vent; like new wineskins, it is ready to burst.

²⁰I must speak, that I may get relief and be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.

²¹I will not [I warn you] be influenced by respect for any man's person and show partiality, neither will I flatter any man.

²²For I know not how to flatter, [wasting my time in mere formalities, for then] my Maker would soon take me away.