[1] Finally, these three men stopped arguing with Job, because he refused to admit that he was guilty. [2] Elihu from Buz was there, and he had become upset with Job for blaming God instead of himself. [3] He was also angry with Job's three friends for not being able to prove that Job was wrong. [4] Elihu was younger than these three, and he let them speak first. [5] But he became irritated when they could not answer Job, [6] and he said to them: I am much younger than you, so I have shown respect by keeping silent. [7] I once believed age was the source of wisdom; [8] now I truly realize wisdom comes from God. [9] Age is no guarantee of wisdom and understanding. [10] That's why I ask you to listen to me. [11] I eagerly listened to each of your arguments, [12] but not one of you proved Job to be wrong. [13] You shouldn't say, "We know what's right! Let God punish him." [14] Job hasn't spoken against me, and so I won't answer him with your arguments. [15] All of you are shocked; you don't know what to say. [16] But am I to remain silent, just because you have stopped speaking? [17] No! I will give my opinion, [18] because I have so much to say, that I can't keep quiet. [19] I am like a swollen wineskin, and I will burst [20] if I don't speak. [21] I don't know how to be unfair or to flatter anyone- [22] if I did, my Creator would quickly destroy me!
