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 burn doth the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram; against Job hath his anger burned, 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 against his three friends hath his anger burned, 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 hath 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 seeth that there is no answer in the mouth of the three men, and his anger burneth.

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 answereth and saith: — Young I [am] in days, and ye [are] age Therefore I have feared, And am afraid of shewing 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 do speak, And 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 Doth cause 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: Hearken to me, I do shew 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.

Lo, I have waited for your words, I give ear unto your reasons, Till ye search out sayings.

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

And unto you I attend, And lo, 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 ye say, We have found wisdom, God doth thrust 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 hath not set in array words for me, And with your sayings I do not answer him.

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 from themselves words.

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 any more.)

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

I answer, even I — my share, I shew 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, Distressed me hath the spirit of my breast,

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

Lo, my breast [is] as wine not opened, Like new bottles it is broken up.

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.

Let me not, I pray you, accept the face of any, Nor unto man give flattering titles,

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, In a little doth my Maker take me away.