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