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1.
So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
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2.
But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.
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3.
He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.
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4.
Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.
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5.
But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
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6.
So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: "I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know.
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7.
I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.'
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8.
But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
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9.
It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.
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10.
"Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know.
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11.
I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words,
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12.
I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.
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13.
Do not say, 'We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not man.'
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14.
But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
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15.
"They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them.
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16.
Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?
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17.
I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know.
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18.
For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
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19.
inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.
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20.
I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.
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21.
I will show partiality to no one, nor will I flatter any man;
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22.
for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.
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