Job 32

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

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 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than 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 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet 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 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

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

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

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

6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine 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 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should 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 there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

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

9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged 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 said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

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

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

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 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

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

13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth 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 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

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

15 They were amazed, they answered no more: 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 When I had waited, ( for they spake not, but stood still, 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 said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

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

18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

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

19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

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, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and 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 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

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

22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

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