Job 32

1 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.

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

2 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].

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

3 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.

and against his three friends was his anger kindled, because they found no answer, and [yet] condemned Job.

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

But Elihu had waited till Job had finished speaking, because they were older than he.

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

And Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, and his anger was kindled.

6 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.

And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are aged; wherefore I was timid, and feared to shew you what I know.

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

I said, Let days speak, and multitude of years teach wisdom.

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

But there is a spirit which is in man; and the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

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

It is not the great that are wise; neither do the aged understand judgment.

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

Therefore I say, Hearken to me; I also will shew what I know.

11 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.

Lo, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasonings, until ye searched out what to say.

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

Yea, I gave you mine attention, and behold, there was none of you that confuted Job, that answered his words;

13 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.

That ye may not say, We have found out wisdom; God will make him yield, not man.

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

Now he hath not directed [his] words against me; and I will not answer him with your speeches. ...

15 “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].

They were amazed, they answered no more; words failed them.

16 But because you do not speak, I certainly will not wait any longer [RHQ]; you merely stand there and do not reply any more.

And I waited, for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more; —

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

I will answer, I also in my turn, I also will shew what I know:

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

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

19 My inner being is like [SIM] a (wineskin/bag that has (new/fermenting) wine in it), and it will soon burst.

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

20 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].

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

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

Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person; neither will I give flattery to man.

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

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