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