Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away. New Living Translation For if I tried flattery, my Creator would soon destroy me. English Standard Version For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away. Berean Standard Bible For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant. King James Bible For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away. New King James Version For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away. New American Standard Bible “For I do not know how to flatter, Otherwise my Maker would quickly take me away. NASB 1995 “For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away. NASB 1977 “For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away. Legacy Standard Bible For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon carry me away. Amplified Bible “For I do not know how to flatter, [in an appropriate way, and I fear that], My Maker would soon take me away. Christian Standard Bible For I do not know how to give such titles; otherwise, my Maker would remove me in an instant. Holman Christian Standard Bible For I do not know how to give such titles; otherwise, my Maker would remove me in an instant. American Standard Version For I know not to give flattering titles; Else would my Maker soon take me away. Contemporary English Version if I did, my Creator would quickly destroy me! English Revised Version For I know not to give flattering titles; else would my Maker soon take me away. GOD'S WORD® Translation I don't know how to flatter. If I did, my maker would soon carry me away. Good News Translation I don't know how to flatter, and God would quickly punish me if I did. International Standard Version since I don't know the first thing about how to flatter; and the one who made me would sweep me away as if I were nothing." Majority Standard Bible For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant. NET Bible for I do not know how to give honorary titles, if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me. New Heart English Bible For I do not know how to give flattering titles; or else my Maker would soon take me away. Webster's Bible Translation For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing, my Maker would soon take me away. World English Bible For I don’t know how to give flattering titles, or else my Maker would soon take me away. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor I have not known to give flattering titles, "" My Maker takes me away in a little.” Young's Literal Translation For I have not known to give flattering titles, In a little doth my Maker take me away. Smith's Literal Translation For I knew not, shall I flatter; for a little while, he making me will take me away. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor I know not how long I shall continue, and whether after a while my Maker may take me away. Catholic Public Domain Version For I do not know how long I will continue, and whether, after a while, my Maker might take me away. New American Bible For I know nothing of flattery; if I did, my Maker would soon take me away. New Revised Standard Version For I do not know how to flatter— or my Maker would soon put an end to me! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor I do not know what shame is; else would my Almighty One soon take me away. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because I do not know shame, or in a little while my Strength would have taken me away OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For I know not to give flattering titles; Else would my Maker soon take me away Brenton Septuagint Translation For I know not how to respect persons: and if otherwise, even the moths would eat me. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends…21I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man. 22For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant. Cross References Proverbs 24:23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good. James 2:1 My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Galatians 1:10 Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Acts 10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism. Colossians 3:25 Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Ephesians 6:9 And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe. 1 Peter 1:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners. 2 Chronicles 19:7 And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. Luke 20:21 “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Proverbs 28:21 To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread. Leviticus 19:15 You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly. 1 Timothy 5:21 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality. Treasury of Scripture For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away. I know not. Job 17:5 He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail. Psalm 12:2,3 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak… Proverbs 29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. Jump to Previous Able End Flatter Flattering Flattery Honour Little Maker Names Quickly Skilled Soon TitlesJump to Next Able End Flatter Flattering Flattery Honour Little Maker Names Quickly Skilled Soon TitlesJob 32 1. Elihu is angry with Job and his three friends6. Because wisdom comes not from age, he excuses the boldness of his youth 11. He reproves them for not satisfying Job 16. His zeal to speak For I do not know how to flatter This phrase begins with a declaration of integrity and honesty. The Hebrew word for "flatter" is "חָנַף" (chanaph), which implies a form of insincere praise or deceitful speech. In the context of the Book of Job, Elihu, the speaker, is emphasizing his commitment to truthfulness. Historically, flattery was often used in ancient Near Eastern courts to gain favor or manipulate outcomes. Elihu's statement reflects a deep moral conviction, aligning with the biblical principle that God values truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6). This phrase challenges believers to examine their own speech and motivations, encouraging a life of sincerity and authenticity before God and others. or my Maker would remove me in an instant Persons / Places / Events 1. ElihuA young man who speaks in Job 32-37. He is not one of Job's three friends but feels compelled to speak because he believes the others have failed to provide Job with wisdom. 2. Job The central figure of the Book of Job, a man who experiences immense suffering and seeks to understand the reasons behind it. 3. Job's Friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom but are ultimately rebuked by God. 4. God (Maker) Referred to by Elihu as the ultimate authority and judge, emphasizing the divine perspective over human understanding. 5. The Setting The dialogue takes place in the land of Uz, where Job and his friends are engaged in a deep theological discussion about suffering and righteousness. Teaching Points The Dangers of FlatteryFlattery can lead to falsehood and deceit, distancing us from God's truth. It is important to speak truthfully and with integrity, even when it is difficult. Fear of the Lord Over Fear of Man Elihu's refusal to flatter highlights the importance of fearing God rather than seeking human approval. Our words should reflect our reverence for God, not our desire to please others. Accountability to God Elihu acknowledges that God is his Maker and Judge, reminding us that we are accountable to God for our words and actions. We should strive to live in a way that honors God, knowing that He sees and knows all. Wisdom in Speech Elihu's example encourages us to seek wisdom in our speech, ensuring that our words align with God's truth. We should pray for discernment to speak wisely and avoid the pitfalls of flattery.(22) In so doing my maker would soon take me away.--Or perhaps the meaning may be, "My Maker will almost have to forgive me:" that is, for being too candid, frank, and straightforward; for speaking too plainly. Some commentators regard Elihu's character with great disfavour, and consider him to be an empty and arrogant talker, mainly, perhaps, from Job 32:18-19; others accept him as a wise and pious friend of Job, who not only gave him good advice, but perhaps more nearly than any other of the disputants hit the truth about Job's afflictions. We are probably more right in this latter view, because at the climax of the poem we do not read that Elihu had any share in the condemnation which was passed by God on the three friends of Job. He is not noticed for either praise or blame. It is to be observed that the last eight verses of this chapter are a kind of soliloquy, unlike the former part of it, which was addressed to the friends, or the next chapter, which is addressed to Job. Verse 22. - For I know not to give flattering titles; i.e. it is not my habit to give flattering titles, nor have I any knowledge of the art. I should expect that, if such were my habit, my Maker would soon take me away; would soon, i.e., remove me from the earth, as one whose influence was not for good, but for evil. Flattery is condemned by Job, in Job 17:5: by David, in the Psalms (Psalm 3:9; 12:2, 3; 78:36); and by Solomon, in the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 2:16; Proverbs 7:21; Proverbs 20:19; Proverbs 28:23, etc.). |
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