66 Books

¹ So these three men ceased answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. ² Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he 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 And dared not declare my opinion to you. ⁷ And multitude of years should teach wisdom.’ ⁸ And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. ⁹ Nor do the aged always understand justice. ¹⁰ I also will declare my opinion.’ ¹¹ I listened to your reasonings, while you searched out what to say. ¹² Or answered his words— ¹³ God will vanquish him, not man. ¹⁴ So I will not answer him with your words. ¹⁵ Words escape them. ¹⁶ Because they stood still and answered no more. ¹⁷ I too will declare my opinion. ¹⁸ The spirit within me compels me. ¹⁹ It is ready to burst like new wineskins. ²⁰ I must open my lips and answer. ²¹ Nor let me flatter any man. ²² Else my Maker would soon take me away.