To explore why righteous people suffer and to show that God's wisdom is beyond human understanding, yet He is just and faithful.
1So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he {was} righteous in his own eyes. {to...: Heb. from answering}
2Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. {himself: Heb. his soul}
3Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and {yet} had condemned Job.
4Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they {were} elder than he. {waited...: Heb. expected Job in words} {elder: Heb. elder for days}
5When Elihu saw that {there was} no answer in the mouth of {these} three men, then his wrath was kindled.
6And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I {am} young, and ye {are} very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. {young: Heb. few of days} {durst...: Heb. feared}
7I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8But {there is} a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
9Great men are not {always} wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
10Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
11Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. {reasons: Heb. understandings} {what...: Heb. words}
12Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, {there was} none of you that convinced Job, {or} that answered his words:
13Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
14Now he hath not directed {his} words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches. {directed: or, ordered}
15They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking. {left...: Heb. removed speeches from themselves}
16When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, {and} answered no more;)
17{I said}, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
18For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. {matter: Heb. words} {spirit...: Heb. spirit of my belly}
19Behold, my belly {is} as wine {which} hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. {hath...: Heb. is not opened}
20I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. {be...: Heb. breathe}
21Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
22For I know not to give flattering titles; {in so doing} my maker would soon take me away.