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.

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he seemed just to himself.

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].

And Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, was angry and was moved to indignation: now he was angry against Job, because he said he was just before 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 he was angry with his friends because they had not found a reasonable answer, but only had condemned Job.

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

So Eliu waited while Job was speaking, because they were his elders that were speaking.

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

But when he saw that the three were not able to answer, he was exceedingly angry.

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.

Then Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: I am younger in days, and you are more ancient; therefore hanging down my head, I was afraid to shew you my opinion.

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

For I hoped that greater age would speak, and that a multitude of years would teach wisdom.

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

But, as I see, there is a spirit in men, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth understanding.

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

They that are aged are not the wise men, neither do the ancients understand judgment.

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

Therefore I will speak: Hearken to me, I also will shew you my wisdom.

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.

For I have waited for your words, I have given ear to your wisdom, as long as you were disputing in words.

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

And as long as I thought you said some thing, I considered: but, as I see, there is none of you that can convince Job, and answer 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.

Lest you should say: We have found wisdom, God hath cast him down, not man.

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

He hath spoken nothing to me, and I will not answer him according to your words.

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 afraid, and answered no more, and they left off speaking.

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.

Therefore because I have waited, and they have not spoken: they stood, and answered no more:

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

I also will answer my part, and will shew my knowledge.

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

For I am full of matter to speak of, and the spirit of my bowels straiteneth 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 new wine which wanteth vent, which bursteth the new vessels.

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 and take breath a little: I will open my lips, and will answer.

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

I will not accept the person of man, and I will not level God with 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 long I shall continue, and whether after a while my Maker may take me away.