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 the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was 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 his wrath was kindled against his three friends, 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 to speak to Job, 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.

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, 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.

Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, “I am young, and you are very old. Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare show 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 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 Spirit of the Almighty gives 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 who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.

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

Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me; I also will show my 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, and I listened for your reasoning, while you 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.

Yes, I gave you my full attention, but there was no one who convinced Job, or who answered his words, 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.

Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom. God may refute him, not man;’

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

for he has 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 are amazed. They answer no more. They don’t have a word 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.

Shall I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?

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

I also will answer my part, and I also will show my opinion.

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

For I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains 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 which 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, 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.

Please don’t let me respect any man’s person, neither will I give flattering 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 don’t know how to give flattering titles, or else my Maker would soon take me away.