Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends

1And these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2Then was kindled the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his anger kindled, because he justified himself rather than God; 3and against his three friends was his anger kindled, because they found no answer, and [yet] condemned Job. 4But Elihu had waited till Job had finished speaking, because they were older than he. 5And Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, and his anger was kindled.

6And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are aged; wherefore I was timid, and feared to shew you what I know.

7I said, Let days speak, and multitude of years teach wisdom.

8But there is a spirit which is in man; and the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

9It is not the great that are wise; neither do the aged understand judgment.

10Therefore I say, Hearken to me; I also will shew what I know.

11Lo, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasonings, until ye searched out what to say.

12Yea, I gave you mine attention, and behold, there was none of you that confuted Job, that answered his words;

13That ye may not say, We have found out wisdom; God will make him yield, not man.

14Now he hath not directed [his] words against me; and I will not answer him with your speeches. ...

15They were amazed, they answered no more; words failed them.

16And I waited, for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more; --

17I will answer, I also in my turn, I also will shew what I know:

18For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

19Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; like new flasks, it is ready to burst.

20I will speak, that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer.

21Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person; neither will I give flattery to man.

22For I know not how to flatter; my Maker would soon take me away.