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 family of Ram; against Job was his wrath kindled, because he accounted himself righteous 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 Against his three friends also was his wrath kindled, because they had not found an 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 delayed to reply to Job, because they were older than himself.

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, his wrath was kindled.

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

6 Then spake Elihu, the son of Barachel, the Buzite, and said: I am young, and ye are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And durst not make known to 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 should speak, And the 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 it is the spirit in man, Even the inspiration of the Almighty, that giveth him 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, Nor do the aged always understand what is right.

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

10 Therefore, I pray, listen to me: I also will declare my opinion.

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

11 Behold, I have waited for your words, I have listened to your arguments, 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 have attended to you; And behold, none of you hath refuted Job, Nor answered his words.

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

13 Say not, then, “We have found out wisdom; God must conquer him, 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 not directed his discourse against me, And with speeches like yours 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 were confounded! they answered no more! They could say nothing!

“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 I waited, but they spake not; They stood still; they 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 Therefore will I answer, on my part; I also will show my 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 bosom is as wine that hath no vent; Like bottles of new wine, which are bursting.

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 relieved; 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 I will not be partial to any man's person, Nor will I flatter any man.

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

22 For I know not how to flatter; Soon would my Maker take me away.

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