After my words they did not speak again, And my speech dropped on them.

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were years older than he.

So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think.

I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom.

Should I wait, because they are not speaking, Because they have stopped and no longer answer?

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

Elihu Claims to Speak for God

“However, please hear my speech, Job, And listen to all my words.

Behold now, I open my mouth, My tongue in my mouth speaks.

My words are from the integrity of my heart, And my lips speak knowledge sincerely.

“You have in fact spoken while I listened, And I heard the sound of your words:

Indeed God speaks once, Or twice, yet no one notices it.

Pay attention, Job, listen to me; Keep silent, and let me speak.

Then if you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I would take pleasure in justifying you.

‘Job speaks without knowledge, And his words are without wisdom.

Elihu Speaks of God’s Dealings with Mankind

Then Elihu continued and said,

Shall it be told Him that I would speak? Or should a man say that he would be swallowed up?

God Speaks Now to Job

Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind and said,

God Speaks of Nature and Its Beings

“Do you know the time the mountain goats give birth? Do you observe the calving of the deer?

I have spoken once, and I will not reply; Or twice, and I will add nothing more.”

Will he make many pleas to you, Or will he speak to you gentle words?

‘Please listen, and I will speak; I will ask You, and You instruct me.’

God Is Displeased with Job’s Friends

It came about after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is trustworthy, as My servant Job has.

Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him so as not to do with you as your foolishness deserves, because you have not spoken of Me what is trustworthy, as My servant Job has.”