Job 32

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

1So the three men stopped answering Job. Job was sure he had done nothing wrong.

2Then 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.

2Then a man named Elihu became angry. He was the son of Barachel, from the family of Buz and of Ram. He was angry at Job. Job kept saying he was right instead of saying God was right.

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

3He was angry at Job's three friends too. They said Job was wrong, but they could not show how.

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

4Elihu had waited before speaking to Job. The other men were all older than he was.

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

5Then Elihu saw the three men had nothing left to say. That made him angry.

6And 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.

6So Elihu son of Barachel spoke up. He said, "I am young, and you are old. That is why I was shy. I was afraid to tell you what I know."

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

7I thought that older people should be the ones to speak. I thought long years would teach a person wisdom.

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

8But God puts a spirit inside each person. The breath of God, who is stronger than all, helps us understand.

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

9Being old does not always make someone wise. Older people do not always know what is fair.

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

10So I say, please listen to me. I will tell you what I know too.

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

11I waited while you talked. I listened to your reasons. I heard you hunt for the right words.

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

12I paid close attention to all of you. But not one of you showed Job he was wrong. No one answered what he said.

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

13So do not say, "We have found wisdom. Let God answer Job, not people."

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

14Job did not aim his words at me. And I will not answer him the way you did.

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

15Job's friends are upset. They have nothing more to say. Their words are gone.

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

16Should I keep on waiting? They are quiet now. They just stand there and say nothing.

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

17So I will take my turn and answer. I will tell you what I know.

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

18I am full of words. The spirit inside me pushes me to speak.

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

19Inside I feel like wine shut up tight. I am about to burst like a new wineskin.

NoteThe KJV says "bottles," but they were not glass. Wine was kept in bags made from animal skin. New wine makes gas as it sits, so a closed skin can swell up and split.

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

20I have to speak so I feel better. I will open my mouth and answer.

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

21I will not treat one person as better than another. I will not say nice things I do not mean.

NoteThe KJV says "accept any man's person" and "give flattering titles." That means taking one person's side because of who they are, and praising someone with words you do not really mean.

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

22I do not know how to flatter people. If I did, God who made me would take me away fast.