The Webster Bible WBT
New International Version NIV
1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he [was] righteous in his own eyes.
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So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
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But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.
3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and [yet] had condemned Job.
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He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.
4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken because they [were] older than he.
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Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he.
5 When Elihu saw that [there was] no answer in the mouth of [these] three men, then his wrath was kindled.
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But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I [am] young, and ye [are] very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not show you my opinion.
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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 said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
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I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’
8 But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
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But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
9 Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
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It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.
10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will show my opinion.
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“Therefore I say: Listen to me; I too will tell you what I know.
11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
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I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning; while you were searching for words,
12 Yes, I attended to you, and behold, [there was] none of you that convinced Job, [or] that answered his words:
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I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments.
13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
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Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not a man, refute him.’
14 Now he hath not directed [his] words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
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But Job has not marshaled his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments.
15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
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“They are dismayed and have no more to say; words have failed them.
16 When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, [and] answered no more;)
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Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?
17 [I said], I will answer also my part, I also will show my opinion.
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I too will have my say; I too will tell what I know.
18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
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For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
19 Behold, my belly [is] as wine [which] hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
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inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst.
20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
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I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply.
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles to man.
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I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter anyone;
22 For I know not to give flattering titles; [in so doing], my Maker would soon take me away.
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for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.