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 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 wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath 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.

Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

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

Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

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

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath 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 very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.

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, Days should speak, and multitude of years should 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 in man: and the inspiration 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.

Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

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

Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

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.

Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst 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 attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or 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.

Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth 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.

Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I 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: 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.

When I had waited, ( for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more; )

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

I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

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; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

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 be refreshed: 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 let me give flattering titles unto 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 to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.