Job, 32

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

1. The three men made no further reply to Job, because in their opinion, he was guiltless.

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.

2. But Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became angry with Job for justifying himself before God.

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

3. He was also angry with the three friends for their failure to refute Job, because they had allowed God to be condemned.

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

4. Because they were older than he, Elihu had bided his time;

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

5. but when the three gave up the argument, his anger burst out.

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.

6. Thus Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, spoke: I am young and you are quite old; therefore I was timid and afraid and dared not tell you of what I know.

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

7. "Age should speak," I thought; "advanced years should teach wisdom."

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

8. But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.

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

9. It is not the old alone who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right.

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

10. Therefore I said: "Listen, let me also show my knowledge.

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

11. I waited for you to speak, listening for your reasons, as you searched for words.

12. Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, [there was] none of you that convinced Job, [or] that answered his words:

12. I gave you my full attention but none of you has proved Job wrong, none has refuted his arguments.

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

13. Stop saying, "We have met wisdom; God has instructed us, not man."

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

14. I will not resume your argument or answer Job with your reasoning.

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

15. They keep quiet for they are dismayed and have nothing more to say.

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

16. Must I wait, now that they are silent, making no effort to reply?

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

17. I, too, will show my knowledge.

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

18. For I am full of words and prodded on by the spirit.

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

19. I am like bottled-up wine, or a wineskin bursting with wine.

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

20. I have to speak to find relief, open my lips and make reply.

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

21. I will be partial to no one and will not flatter any man.

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

22. For if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon do away with me.