Berean Study Bible | New International Version |
1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. | 1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. |
2This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God, | 2But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. |
3and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. | 3He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. |
4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. | 4Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. |
5But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. | 5But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused. |
6So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. | 6So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: "I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know. |
7I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom. | 7I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.' |
8But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. | 8But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. |
9It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice. | 9It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right. |
10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’ | 10"Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know. |
11Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words, | 11I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words, |
12I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments. | 12I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments. |
13So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’ | 13Do not say, 'We have found wisdom; let God, not a man, refute him.' |
14But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. | 14But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. |
15Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them. | 15"They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them. |
16Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply? | 16Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply? |
17I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know. | 17I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know. |
18For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. | 18For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me; |
19Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. | 19inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst. |
20I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond. | 20I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply. |
21I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man. | 21I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter anyone; |
22For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant. | 22for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away. |
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