1
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So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. |
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2
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This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God, |
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3
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and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. |
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4
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Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. |
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5
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But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. |
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6
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So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. |
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7
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I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom. |
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8
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But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. |
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9
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It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice. |
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10
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Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’ |
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11
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Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words, |
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12
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I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments. |
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13
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So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’ |
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14
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But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. |
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15
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Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them. |
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16
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Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply? |
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17
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I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know. |
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18
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For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. |
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19
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Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. |
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20
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I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond. |
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21
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I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man. |
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22
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For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant. |
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