7. I thought, ‘Age should speak,and experience should teach wisdom.’
8. However, there is in humans a Spirit,the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
9. People do not become wise merely because they live long.They don’t understand what justice is merely because they’re old.
10. “That is why I say, ‘Listen to me!Let me tell you what I know.’
11. I waited for you to speak.I listened for you to share your understandinguntil you could find the right words.
12. I’ve paid close attention to you,but none of you refuted Job.None of you has an answer to what he says.
13. So don’t say, ‘We’ve found wisdom.Let God, not humans, defeat him.’
14. Job did not choose his words to refute me,so I won’t answer him with your speeches.
15. “Job’s friends have been overwhelmed and don’t have any more answers.They don’t have another word to say.
16. Should I wait because they don’t speak,because they stand there and don’t have any more answers?
17. “I’ll give my answer.I’ll tell you what I know.
18. I’m full of words.The Spirit within me forces me ⌊to speak⌋.
19. My belly is like ⌊a bottle of⌋ wine that has not been opened,like new wineskins that are ready to burst.
20. I must speak to get relief.I must open my mouth and answer.
21. I won’t be partial toward anyoneor flatter anyone.
22. I don’t know how to flatter.If I did, my maker would soon carry me away.