New Living Translation

King James Bible

Elihu Responds to Job’s Friends

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

1

Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends

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

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.

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

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.

3

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

4

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

4

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

5

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

5

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

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.

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

7

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

8

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

8

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

9

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

9

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

10

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

10

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

11

“I have waited all this time,
listening very carefully to your arguments,
listening to you grope for words.

11

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

12

I have listened,
but not one of you has refuted Job
or answered his arguments.

12

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

13

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

13

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

14

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

14

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

15

You sit there baffled,
with nothing more to say.

15

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

16

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

16

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

17

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

17

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

18

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

18

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

19

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

19

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

20

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

20

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

21

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

21

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

22

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

22

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

Parallel

New Living Translation

King James Bible

Job 32

Job 32