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Elihu Speaks

32 These three men stopped trying to answer Job, because he was ·so sure he was right [right/righteous in his own eyes]. But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, from the family of Ram, became very angry with Job, because Job ·claimed he was right instead of [or he was more right/righteous than] God. Elihu was also angry with Job’s three friends who had no answer to show that Job was wrong, yet continued to ·blame him [treat him as wrong]. Elihu had waited before speaking to Job, because the three friends were older than he was. But when Elihu saw that the three men had nothing more to say, he became very angry.

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said this:

“I am young,
    and you are ·old [aged].
That is why I was ·afraid [L timid and afraid]
    to tell you ·what I know [my opinion].
I thought, ‘·Older people should [L Let days] speak,
    and those who have lived many years should ·teach [make known; reveal] wisdom.’
But it is the spirit in a person,
    the breath of ·the Almighty [Shaddai], that gives understanding.
It is not just ·older people [L the many] who are wise;
    ·they [L the elders] are not the only ones who understand ·what is right [justice].
10 So I say, listen to me.
    I too will ·tell [show] you ·what I know [my opinion].
11 I waited ·while you three spoke [L for your words],
    and ·listened [bent an ear] to your ·explanations [or arguments].
While you ·looked for words to use,
12     I paid close attention to you.
But not one of you has proved Job wrong;
    none of you has answered his arguments.
13 Don’t say, ‘We have found wisdom;
    only God will show Job to be wrong, not people.’
14 Job has not spoken his words against me,
    so I will not use your arguments to answer Job.

15 “·These three friends [L They] are ·defeated [dismayed; discouraged] and ·have no more to say [cannot answer];
    words have failed them.
16 Now they are standing there with no answers for Job.
    ·Now that they are quiet [L If they don’t speak], must I wait to speak?
17 No, I too will speak
    and ·tell what I know [share my opinion].
18 I am full of words,
    and the spirit in me ·causes me to speak [compels me].
19 I am like wine that has ·been bottled up [no vent/opening];
    I am ready to burst like a new leather wine bag.
20 I must speak so I will feel relief;
    I must open my ·mouth [L lips] and answer.
21 I will ·be fair to everyone [L not favor anyone]
    and not flatter anyone.
22 I don’t know how to flatter,
    and if I did, my Maker would quickly take me away.

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