New Living Translation NLT
Common English Bible CEB
1 Job’s three friends refused to reply further to him because he kept insisting on his innocence.
1
These three men stopped answering Job because he thought he was righteous.
2 Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry because Job refused to admit that he had sinned and that God was right in punishing him.
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.
3 He was also angry with Job’s three friends, for they made God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job’s arguments.
3
He was also angry with his three friends because they hadn't found an answer but nevertheless thought Job wicked.
4 Elihu had waited for the others to speak to Job because they were older than he.
4
Elihu had waited while Job spoke, for they were older than he.
5 But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily.
5
When Elihu saw that there had been no response in the speeches of the three men, he became very angry.
6 Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think.
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.
7 I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’
7
I thought, Let days speak; let multiple years make wisdom known.
8 But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent.
8
But the spirit in a person, the Almighty's breath, gives understanding.
9 Sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice.
9
The advanced in days aren't wise; the old don't understand what's right.
10 So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think.
10
Therefore, I say: "Listen to me; I'll state my view, even I."
11 “I have waited all this time, listening very carefully to your arguments, listening to you grope for words.
11
Look, I waited while you spoke, listened while you reasoned, while you searched for words.
12 I have listened, but not one of you has refuted Job or answered his arguments.
12
I was attentive to you, but you offered no rebuke to Job, no answer from you for his words.
13 And don’t tell me, ‘He is too wise for us. Only God can convince him.’
13
Be careful you don't say, "We've found wisdom; God, not a person, will defeat him."
14 If Job had been arguing with me, I would not answer with your kind of logic!
14
Now Job hasn't addressed me, and I won't quote you to him.
15 You sit there baffled, with nothing more to say.
15
They are troubled, no longer answer; words now escape them.
16 Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?
16
I waited, but they didn't speak, for they stood but answered no more.
17 No, I will say my piece. I will speak my mind.
17
I will answer. Indeed, I will state my piece; I too will declare my view,
18 For I am full of pent-up words, and the spirit within me urges me on.
18
for I'm full of words. The spirit in my belly compels me.
19 I am like a cask of wine without a vent, like a new wineskin ready to burst!
19
Look, my belly is like unopened wine; like new wineskins it will burst.
20 I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers.
20
I will speak and get relief; I will open my lips and respond.
21 I won’t play favorites or try to flatter anyone.
21
I won't be partial to anyone, won't flatter a person;
22 For if I tried flattery, my Creator would soon destroy me.
22
for I don't know flattery; otherwise my maker would quickly whisk me away.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by
Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible