² “You people really know everything, don’t you?
    And when you die, wisdom will die with you!

²¹ What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes
    and think themselves so clever.

¹¹ Rich people may think they are wise,
    but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

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.’

³ I’ve had to endure your insults,
    but now my spirit prompts me to reply.

¹⁰ “As for all of you, come back with a better argument,
    though I still won’t find a wise man among you.

⁴ You have closed their minds to understanding,
    but do not let them triumph.

² “A wise man wouldn’t answer with such empty talk!
    You are nothing but a windbag.