Job 32

1 So had these three men abstained from answering 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 Thereupon 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 had declared himself more righteous 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 And 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 held back toward Job [his] words; because the others were older in days than he.

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

5 But when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then was his wrath 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 commenced, and said, Young am I in days, and ye are very old: therefore I hesitated and feared to show you what I know.

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 had said, Days shall speak, and multitude of years shall make wisdom known.

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

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

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

9 Not those rich in years must be always wise: neither do the aged constantly understand what is just.

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

10 Therefore do I say, Hearken to me: I also will show forth what I know myself.

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

11 Behold, I waited for your words: I gave an attentive ear to your reasonings, till you might have searched out the [proper] 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 now I understand you fully, and, behold, there is none that convinceth Job, or, that answereth his speeches among you.

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

13 Say then not, We have found wisdom: God will thrust 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 But he hath not directed any words against me: and with your speeches will I not answer him.

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

15 They are dismayed, they answer no more: words have escaped away from them.

“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 And should I wait [longer], because they cannot speak, because they stand stilt and answer 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 [But] I also will surely answer my part, I myself also will show forth what I know;

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

18 For I am full of words, the spirit in my bosom urgeth me hard.

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

19 Behold, my bosom is like [fresh] wine which hath not been opened: like new bottles it is ready to burst.

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 breathe freer: 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 On no account will I show undue favor to any man, and to no son of earth will I give flattering titles.

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; [for else] my Maker would speedily carry me away.

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