Job, 32

1. These three men stopped arguing with Job, because he was convinced of his uprightness.

1. So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he [was] righteous in his own eyes.

2. But Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became very angry. He fumed with rage against Job for thinking that he was right and God was wrong;

2. 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. and he was equally angry with the three friends for giving up the argument and thus putting God in the wrong.

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

4. While they and Job were talking, Elihu had waited, because they were older than he was;

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

5. but when he saw that the three men had not another word to say in answer, his anger burst out.

5. When Elihu saw that [there was] no answer in the mouth of [these] three men, then his wrath was kindled.

6. And Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite began to speak. He said: I am still young, and you are old, so I was shy and hesitant to tell you what I know.

6. 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, 'Age ought to speak, advancing years will convey wisdom.'

7. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

8. There is, you see, a spirit residing in humanity, the breath of God conferring intelligence.

8. But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

9. Great age does not give wisdom, nor seniority fair judgement.

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

10. And so I ask you for a hearing; now it is my turn to tell what I know.

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

11. Up to now, I was hanging on your words, I paid attention to your arguments as each of you chose his words.

11. Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

12. I paid very close attention; and I see that none of you has confounded Job, not one of you has refuted what he says.

12. 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, 'We have found wisdom; our teaching is divine and not human.'

13. Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

14. I am not going to follow the same line of argument; my reply to Job will be couched in different terms.

14. Now he hath not directed [his] words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

15. They are nonplussed for an answer, words have failed them.

15. They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

16. I have been waiting. Since they do not speak, since they have given up the argument,

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

17. now I shall have my say, my turn has come to say what I know.

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

18. For I am full of words and forced to speak by a spirit within me;

18. For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

19. within me, it feels like new wine seeking a vent, bursting out of new wine-skins.

19. Behold, my belly [is] as wine [which] hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

20. To gain relief, I must speak, I must open my lips and reply.

20. I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

21. I shall not take anyone's side, I shall not flatter anyone.

21. Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

22. I do not know how to flatter -- or my Creator would make short work of me.

22. For I know not to give flattering titles; [in so doing] my maker would soon take me away.