| 1 | So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was [rigidly] righteous (upright and in right standing with God) in his own eyes. [But there was a fifth man there also.] |
| 2 | Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became indignant. His indignation was kindled against Job because he justified himself rather than God [even made himself out to be better than God]. |
| 3 | Also against [Job’s] three friends was [Elihu’s] anger kindled, because they had found no answer [were unable to show his real error], and yet they had declared him to be in the wrong [and responsible for his own afflictions]. |
| 4 | Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. |
| 5 | But when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men, he became angry. |
| 6 | Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said, I am young, and you are aged; for that reason I was timid
and
restrained and dared not declare my opinion to you. |
| 7 | I said, Age should speak, and a multitude of years should teach wisdom [so let it be heard]. |
| 8 | But there is [a vital force] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives men understanding. |
| 9 | It is not the great [necessarily] who are wise, nor [always] the aged who understand justice. |
| 10 | So I say, Listen to me; I also will give you my opinion [about Job’s situation]
and
my knowledge. |
| 11 | You see, I waited for your words, I listened to your wise reasons, while you searched out what to say. |
| 12 | Yes, I paid attention to what you said, and behold, not one of you convinced Job or made [satisfactory] replies to his words [you could not refute him]. |
| 13 | Beware lest you say, We have found wisdom; God thrusts [Job] down [justly], not man [God alone is dealing with him]. |
| 14 | Now [Job] has not directed his words against me [therefore I have no cause for irritation], neither will I answer him with speeches like yours. [I speak for truth, not for revenge.] |
| 15 | [Job’s friends] are amazed
and
embarrassed, they answer no more; they have not a thing to say [reports Elihu]. |
| 16 | And shall I wait, because they say nothing but stand still and answer no more? |
| 17 | I also will answer my [God-assigned] part; I also will declare my opinion
and
my knowledge. |
| 18 | For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. |
| 19 | My breast is as wine that has no vent; like new wineskins, it is ready to burst. |
| 20 | I must speak, that I may get relief
and
be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer. |
| 21 | I will not [I warn you] be influenced by respect for any man’s person
and
show partiality, neither will I flatter any man. |
| 22 | For I know not how to flatter, [wasting my time in mere formalities, for then] my Maker would soon take me away. |
Cross references:
-
Job 32:8 : Prov. 2:6.
|