7. I thought, ‘Older people should speak,and those who have lived many years should teach wisdom.’
8. But it is the spirit in a person,the breath of the Almighty, that gives understanding.
9. It is not just older people who are wise;they are not the only ones who understand what is right.
10. So I say, listen to me.I too will tell you what I know.
11. I waited while you three spoke,and listened to your explanations.While you looked for words to use,
12. I paid close attention to you.But not one of you has proved Job wrong;none of you has answered his arguments.
13. Don’t say, ‘We have found wisdom;only God will show Job to be wrong, not people.’
14. Job has not spoken his words against me,so I will not use your arguments to answer Job.
15. “These three friends are defeated and have no more to say;words have failed them.
16. Now they are standing there with no answers for Job.Now that they are quiet, must I wait to speak?
17. No, I too will speakand tell what I know.
18. I am full of words,and the spirit in me causes me to speak.
19. I am like wine that has been bottled up;I am ready to burst like a new leather wine bag.
20. I must speak so I will feel relief;I must open my mouth and answer.
21. I will be fair to everyoneand not flatter anyone.
22. I don’t know how to flatter,and if I did, my Maker would quickly take me away.