Job 32

1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

Job's three friends stopped responding to him because he kept on protesting his innocence.

2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram; against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

Then Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, grew angry. He was angry with Job for claiming he was right rather than God.

3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

Elihu was also angry at Job's three friends because they made it seem that God was wrong, because they had not been able to answer Job.

4 Now Elihu had waited to speak unto Job, because they were older than he.

Elihu had waited to for the other three to speak with Job since they were older than he was.

5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.

But when he saw that they could not answer Job, he grew very angry.

6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I held back, and durst not declare you mine opinion.

Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, said, “I am young, and you are old, which is why I was reluctant to tell you what I know.

7 I said: 'Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.'

I told myself, ‘Those who are older should speak—those who are elderly should teach wisdom.’

8 But it is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty, that giveth them understanding.

However, there is a spirit in human beings, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.

9 It is not the great that are wise, nor the aged that discern judgment.

It is not the old who are wise, or the elderly who know what is right.

10 Therefore I say: 'Hearken to me; I also will declare mine opinion.'

That's why I'm telling you to listen to me now—let me tell you what I know.

11 Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

Well, I waited to hear what you had to say, listening for your insights as you looked for the right words to speak.

12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none that convinced Job, or that answered his words, among you.

I paid close attention to all of you, and none of you have proved Job wrong or answered his arguments.

13 Beware lest ye say: 'We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not man!'

Don't say to yourselves, ‘We are so wise,’ for God will prove him wrong, not a human being.

14 For he hath not directed his words against me; neither will I answer him with your speeches.

Job didn't line up his arguments against me, and I won't answer him the way you did.

15 They are amazed, they answer no more; words are departed from them.

You sit there speechless with nothing left to say.

16 And shall I wait, because they speak not, because they stand still, and answer no more?

Should I continue to wait since you're no longer talking, just standing there saying nothing?

17 I also will answer my part, I also will declare mine opinion.

No—now I'll give my answer too. I'll tell you what I know.

18 For I am full of words; the spirit within me constraineth me.

I have so much to say I can't hold the words back!

19 Behold, mine inwards are as wine which hath no vent; like new wine-skins which are ready to burst.

Inside I'm like fermenting wine all bottled up; like new wineskins ready to explode!

20 I will speak, that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer.

I have to speak before I burst; I will open my lips to answer him.

21 Let me not, I pray you, respect any man's person; neither will I give flattering titles unto any man.

I will not take sides, and I'm not going to flatter anyone.

22 For I know not to give flattering titles; else would my Maker soon take me away.

I don't know how to flatter, and if I did my Creator would soon destroy me.