Study Desk

So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite ^[c]spoke out and said, "I am young in years and you are ^(e)old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you ^[d]what I think.

"I ^[e]thought ^[f](f)age should speak, And ^[g]increased years should teach wisdom.

"But it is a spirit in man, And the ^(g)breath of the Almighty gives them ^(h)understanding.

"The ^[h]abundant in years may not be wise, Nor may ⁽ⁱ⁾elders understand justice.

"So I ^[i]say, ‘Listen to me, I too will tell ^[j]what I think.'

"Behold, I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, While you ^[k]pondered what to say.

"I even paid close attention to you; ^[l]Indeed, there was no one who refuted Job, Not one of you who answered his words.

"Do not say, ‘^(j)We have found wisdom; God will ^[m]rout him, not man.'

"For he has not arranged his words against me, Nor will I reply to him with your ^[n]arguments.

"They are dismayed, they no longer answer; Words have ^[o]failed them.

"Shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they ^[p]stop and no longer answer?

"I too will answer my share, I also will tell my opinion.

"For I am full of words; The spirit within me constrains me.

"Behold, my belly is like unvented wine, Like new wineskins it is about to burst.

"Let me speak that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer.

"Let me now ^(k)be partial to no one, Nor flatter any man.

"For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.