King James Bible

New Living Translation

Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends

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

Elihu Responds to Job’s Friends

Job’s three friends refused to reply further to him because he kept insisting on his innocence.

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

Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry because Job refused to admit that he had sinned and that God was right in punishing him.

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 Job’s three friends, for they made Goda appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job’s arguments.

4

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

4

Elihu had waited for the others to speak to Job because they were older than he.

5

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

5

But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily.

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

Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said,
“I am young and you are old,
so I held back from telling you what I think.

7

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

7

I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak,
for wisdom comes with age.’

8

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

8

But there is a spiritb within people,
the breath of the Almighty within them,
that makes them intelligent.

9

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

9

Sometimes the elders are not wise.
Sometimes the aged do not understand justice.

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

10

So listen to me,
and let me tell you what I think.

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

11

“I have waited all this time,
listening very carefully to your arguments,
listening to you grope 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 have listened,
but not one of you has refuted Job
or answered his arguments.

13

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

13

And don’t tell me, ‘He is too wise for us.
Only God can convince him.’

14

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

14

If Job had been arguing with me,
I would not answer with your kind of logic!

15

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

15

You sit there baffled,
with nothing more to say.

16

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

16

Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent?
Must I also remain silent?

17

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

17

No, I will say my piece.
I will speak my mind.

18

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

18

For I am full of pent-up words,
and the spirit within me urges me on.

19

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

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I am like a cask of wine without a vent,
like a new wineskin ready to burst!

20

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

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I must speak to find relief,
so let me give my answers.

21

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

21

I won’t play favorites
or try to flatter anyone.

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

22

For if I tried flattery,
my Creator would soon destroy me.

Parallel

King James Bible

New Living Translation

Job 32

Job 32