Job’s Friends Failed to Answer

15 “They are dismayed and cannot answer any more;

they have nothing left to say.

16  And I have waited. But because they do not speak,

because they stand there and answer no more,

17  I too will answer my part,

I too will explain what I know.

18  For I am full of words,

and the spirit within me constrains me.

19  Inside I am like wine which has no outlet,

like new wineskins ready to burst!

20  I will speak, so that I may find relief;

I will open my lips, so that I may answer.

21  I will not show partiality to anyone,

nor will I confer a title on any man.

22  for I do not know how to give honorary titles,

if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.

33 “But now, O Job, listen to my words,

and hear everything I have to say!

2  See now, I have opened my mouth;

my tongue in my mouth has spoken.

3  My words come from the uprightness of my heart,

and my lips will utter knowledge sincerely.

4  The Spirit of God has made me,

and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

5  Reply to me, if you can;

set your arguments in order before me

and take your stand!

6  Look, I am just like you in relation to God;

I too have been molded from clay.

7  Therefore no fear of me should terrify you,

nor should my pressure be heavy on you.