Job 32

1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he seemed just to himself.

Then those three men stopped answering Job, because [they could not convince Job that he was wrong in claiming that] he had not done anything that was wrong.

2 And Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, was angry and was moved to indignation: now he was angry against Job, because he said he was just before God.

Then Elihu, the son of Barachel, a descendant of Buz, from the clan of Ram, became very angry at Job. He was angry because Job continued to claim that he was righteous/innocent, and that God was wrong [to punish him].

3 And he was angry with his friends because they had not found a reasonable answer, but only had condemned Job.

He was also angry with Job’s three friends, because they had declared that Job must have done many things that were wrong, but they were unable to convince Job [that what they said was true]. As a result, [it seemed to Elihu that] God did what was wrong by punishing Job.

4 So Eliu waited while Job was speaking, because they were his elders that were speaking.

Elihu was younger than the others, so he waited [until they had finished speaking] before he replied to Job.

5 But when he saw that the three were not able to answer, he was exceedingly angry.

But when Elihu realized that the three men had no more to say [MTY] to Job, he became angry.

6 Then Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: I am younger in days, and you are more ancient; therefore hanging down my head, I was afraid to shew you my opinion.

And this is what he said: “I am young, and you all are much older than I am. So, I was timid, and I was afraid to tell you what I was thinking.

7 For I hoped that greater age would speak, and that a multitude of years would teach wisdom.

I thought, ‘Let those [PRS] who are much older speak, because older people [should be able to] say things that are wise.’

8 But, as I see, there is a spirit in men, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding.

But the Spirit of Almighty [God] is within people, and it is he who enables them to be wise.

9 They that are aged are not the wise men, neither do the ancients understand judgment.

It is not people becoming old that enables them to be wise; not [all] old people understand what is right.

10 Therefore I will speak: Hearken to me, I also will shew you my wisdom.

“So, I say, ‘Listen to me, and allow me to say what I think.’

11 For I have waited for your words, I have given ear to your wisdom, as long as you were disputing in words.

I waited for you all to speak; I wanted to hear the wise things that you would say. I waited while you thought carefully about what [would be the right things] to say.

12 And as long as I thought you said some thing, I considered: but, as I see, there is none of you that can convince Job, and answer his words.

I paid attention carefully, but surprisingly, none of you were able to prove that what Job said was wrong.

13 Lest you should say: We have found wisdom, God hath cast him down, not man.

So, do not say [to yourselves], ‘We have discovered what is wise!’ It is God who must (refute Job/show that what Job said was wrong), because you three have not been able to do that.

14 He hath spoken nothing to me, and I will not answer him according to your words.

Job was replying to you, [not to me], but I will not reply to him by saying what you three said.

15 They were afraid, and answered no more, and they left off speaking.

“You three are dismayed [because you have not been able to convince him that he was wrong], so you are not saying any more to him [DOU].

16 Therefore because I have waited, and they have not spoken: they stood, and answered no more:

But because you do not speak, I certainly will not wait any longer [RHQ]; you merely stand there and do not reply any more.

17 I also will answer my part, and will shew my knowledge.

So [now] I also will reply [to Job] and say what I think.

18 For I am full of matter to speak of, and the spirit of my bowels straiteneth me.

I have plenty to say, and my spirit compels me to say it.

19 Behold, my belly is as new wine which wanteth vent, which bursteth the new vessels.

My inner being is like [SIM] a (wineskin/bag that has (new/fermenting) wine in it), and it will soon burst.

20 I will speak and take breath a little: I will open my lips, and will answer.

I must speak [MTY], in order that I do not have to keep holding what I want to say; I must say something [MTY] to reply [to you all].

21 I will not accept the person of man, and I will not level God with man.

I will speak [fairly], not favoring any of you, and I will not try to flatter anyone.

22 For I know not how long I shall continue, and whether after a while my Maker may take me away.

I [really] do not know how to flatter people; and if I did that, God would soon get rid of me.”