¹³ So those who are smart keep their mouths shut,
    for it is an evil time.

²⁸ Let them sit alone in silence
    beneath the Lord’s demands.

⁸ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
    ensure justice for those being crushed.
⁹ Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
    and see that they get justice.

¹¹ Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die;
    save them as they stagger to their death.
¹² Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.”
    For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew.
    He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

“I am young and you are old,
    so I held back from telling you what I think.
⁷ I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak,
    for wisdom comes with age.’
⁸ But there is a spirit^[a] within people,
    the breath of the Almighty within them,
    that makes them intelligent.
⁹ Sometimes the elders are not wise.
    Sometimes the aged do not understand justice.
¹⁰ So listen to me,
    and let me tell you what I think.

¹¹ “I have waited all this time,
    listening very carefully to your arguments,
    listening to you grope for words.
¹² I have listened,
    but not one of you has refuted Job
    or answered his arguments.
¹³ And don’t tell me, ‘He is too wise for us.
    Only God can convince him.’
¹⁴ If Job had been arguing with me,
    I would not answer with your kind of logic!
¹⁵ You sit there baffled,
    with nothing more to say.
¹⁶ Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent?
    Must I also remain silent?
¹⁷ No, I will say my piece.
    I will speak my mind.
¹⁸ For I am full of pent-up words,
    and the spirit within me urges me on.
¹⁹ I am like a cask of wine without a vent,
    like a new wineskin ready to burst!
²⁰ I must speak to find relief,
    so let me give my answers.
²¹ I won’t play favorites
    or try to flatter anyone.
²² For if I tried flattery,
    my Creator would soon destroy me.