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 cease from answering Job, for he [is] 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].

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;

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 his anger has burned against his three friends, because that they have not found an answer, and condemn Job.

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

And Elihu has waited earnestly beside Job with words, for they are older than he in days.

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

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

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 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.

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 speak, And a 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.

Surely a spirit is in man, And the breath of the Mighty One Causes them to understand.

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

The multitude are not wise, Nor do the aged understand judgment.

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

Therefore I have said: Listen to me, I show my opinion—even I.

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

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

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

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 say, We have found wisdom, God thrusts him away, not man.

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

And he has not set words in array for me, And I do not answer him with your sayings.

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

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

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

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

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

For I have been full of words, The spirit of my breast has distressed 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 breast [is] as wine not opened, It is broken up 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 speak, and there is refreshment to me, I open my lips and answer.

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

Please do not let me accept the face of any, Nor give flattering titles 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 have not known to give flattering titles, My Maker takes me away in a little.”