Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes!

Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me. I, even I, will explain what I know.’

Because you have closed their minds to understanding, therefore you will not exalt them.

Therefore people fear him, for he does not regard all the wise in heart.”

Therefore, he knows their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.

“Therefore, blessed is the man whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

Therefore no fear of me should terrify you, nor should my pressure be heavy on you.

“Therefore, I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

“Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, from the Almighty to do evil.

“Nothing is left for him to devour; that is why his prosperity does not last.

That is why snares surround you, and why sudden fear terrifies you,

“This is why my troubled thoughts bring me back – because of my feelings within me.

But because it is heavier than the sand of the sea, that is why my words have been wild.

“It is all one! That is why I say, ‘He destroys the blameless and the guilty.’

That is why I am terrified in his presence; when I consider, I am afraid because of him.

Is it your opinion that God should recompense it, because you reject this? But you must choose, and not I, so tell us what you know.

you asked, ‘Who is this who darkens counsel without knowledge?’ But I have declared without understanding things too wonderful for me to know.

So Job opens his mouth to no purpose; without knowledge he multiplies words.”

and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom – for true wisdom has two sides – so that you would know that God has forgiven some of your sins.

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: “I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful, and afraid to explain to you what I know.