1 Finally, these three men stopped arguing with Job, because he refused to admit 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!