(Note: Elihu’s first speech of six.)

A  (6-7)  And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

B  (8-9)  But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

C  (10)  Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

D  (11)  Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

E  (12)  Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words<H561>:

F  (13)  Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

E’  (14)  Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches<H561>.

D’  (15-16)  They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking. When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

C’  (17)  I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

B’  (18-19)  For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

A’  (20-22)  I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.