Job 32

1 And these three men cease from answering Job, for he [is] 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 and the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite burns, of the family of Ram; his anger has burned against Job, because of his justifying himself more 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 his anger has burned against his three friends, because that they have not found an answer, and condemn 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 And Elihu has waited earnestly beside Job with words, for they are older than he in days.

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

5 And Elihu sees that there is no answer in the mouth of the three men, and his anger burns.

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

6 And Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answers and says: “I [am] young in days, and you [are] aged; Therefore I have feared, And am afraid of showing 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 I said, Days speak, And a multitude of years 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 Surely a spirit is in man, And the breath of the Mighty One Causes them to understand.

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

9 The multitude are not wise, Nor 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 have said: Listen to me, I show my opinion—even I.

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

11 Behold, I have waited for your words, I give ear to your reasons, Until you search out sayings.

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 to you I attend, And behold, there is no reasoner for Job, [Or] answerer of his sayings among you.

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

13 Lest you say, We have found wisdom, God thrusts him away, 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 And he has not set words in array for me, And I do not answer him with your sayings.

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

15 (They have broken down, They have not answered again, They removed words from themselves.

“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 I have waited, but they do not speak, For they have stood still, They have not answered anymore.)

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 answer, even I—my share, I show my opinion—even I.

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

18 For I have been full of words, The spirit of my breast has distressed me,

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

19 Behold, my breast [is] as wine not opened, It is broken up 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 speak, and there is refreshment to me, I 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 Please do not let me accept the face of any, Nor give flattering titles to man,

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

22 For I have not known to give flattering titles, My Maker takes me away in a little.”

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