Common English Bible CEB
New International Version NIV
1 These three men stopped answering Job because he thought he was righteous.
1
So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite from the clan of Ram was angry, angry with Job because he considered himself more righteous than God.
2
But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.
3 He was also angry with his three friends because they hadn't found an answer but nevertheless thought Job wicked.
3
He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.
4 Elihu had waited while Job spoke, for they were older than he.
4
Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there had been no response in the speeches of the three men, he became very angry.
5
But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
6 Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said: I'm young and you're old, so I held back, afraid to express my opinion to you.
6
So 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.
7 I thought, Let days speak; let multiple years make wisdom known.
7
I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’
8 But the spirit in a person, the Almighty's breath, gives understanding.
8
But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
9 The advanced in days aren't wise; the old don't understand what's right.
9
It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.
10 Therefore, I say: "Listen to me; I'll state my view, even I."
10
“Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know.
11 Look, I waited while you spoke, listened while you reasoned, while you searched for words.
11
I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words,
12 I was attentive to you, but you offered no rebuke to Job, no answer from you for his words.
12
I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.
13 Be careful you don't say, "We've found wisdom; God, not a person, will defeat him."
13
Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not a man, refute him.’
14 Now Job hasn't addressed me, and I won't quote you to him.
14
But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
15 They are troubled, no longer answer; words now escape them.
15
“They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them.
16 I waited, but they didn't speak, for they stood but answered no more.
16
Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?
17 I will answer. Indeed, I will state my piece; I too will declare my view,
17
I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know.
18 for I'm full of words. The spirit in my belly compels me.
18
For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
19 Look, my belly is like unopened wine; like new wineskins it will burst.
19
inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.
20 I will speak and get relief; I will open my lips and respond.
20
I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.
21 I won't be partial to anyone, won't flatter a person;
21
I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter anyone;
22 for I don't know flattery; otherwise my maker would quickly whisk me away.
22
for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.