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 stopped answering 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 son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram; it was kindled against Job 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.

Elihu's anger was also kindled against his three friends because they had found no answer to Job, and yet they 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 to speak to Job because the other men were older than he.

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

However, when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men, 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.

Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up and said, “I am young, and you are very old. That is why I held back and did not dare to tell you my own 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, “Length of days should speak; a 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 a man; the breath of the Almighty gives him 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 only the great people who are wise, nor the aged people alone who understand justice.

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

Therefore I say to you, 'Listen to me; I will also tell you my knowledge.'

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.

See, I waited for your words; I listened to your arguments while you were thinking about what to say.

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

Indeed, I paid attention to you, but, see, there was not one of you who could convince Job or who could respond to 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.

Be careful not to say, 'We have found wisdom!' God will have to defeat Job; mere man cannot do it.

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

For Job has not directed his words against me, so I will not answer him with 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].

These three men are dumbfounded; they can answer Job no longer; they have not a word more to say.

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.

Should I wait because they are not speaking, because they stand there silent and answer no more?

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

No, I also will answer on my part; I will also tell them my knowledge.

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

For I am full of words; the spirit in me compels me.

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

See, my breast is like fermenting wine that has no vent; like new wineskins, 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 so 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.

I will not show favoritism; neither will I give honorific titles to any 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 do not know how to give such titles; if I did so, my Maker would soon take me away.