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Elihu Rebukes Job’s Three Friends

¹ So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.² This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, who burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God.³ And his anger burned against Job’s three friends, because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him^(a).⁴ Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he.⁵ But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled.

⁶ So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.⁷ I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.⁸ But there is a spirit^(a) in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.⁹ It is not only the old^(a) who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.¹⁰ Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me. I too will declare what I know.’¹¹ Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words,¹² I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments.¹³ So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’¹⁴ But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.

¹⁵ Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them.¹⁶ Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?¹⁷ I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.¹⁸ For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.¹⁹ Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin.²⁰ I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.²¹ I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man.²² For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.