New Revised Standard NRS
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
1
So these three men gave no more answers to Job, because he seemed to himself to be right.
2 Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became angry. He was angry at Job because he justified himself rather than God;
2
And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was angry, burning with wrath against Job, because he seemed to himself more right than God;
3 he was angry also at Job's three friends because they had found no answer, though they had declared Job to be in the wrong.
3
And he was angry with his three friends, because they had been unable to give him an answer, and had not made Job's sin clear.
4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he.
4
Now Elihu had kept quiet while Job was talking, because they were older than he;
5 But when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men, he became angry.
5
And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, he was very angry.
6 Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answered: "I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you.
6
And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, made answer and said, I am young, and you are very old, so I was in fear, and kept myself from putting my knowledge before you.
7 I said, "Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.'
7
I said to myself, It is right for the old to say what is in their minds, and for those who are far on in years to give out wisdom.
8 But truly it is the spirit in a mortal, the breath of the Almighty, that makes for understanding.
8
But truly it is the spirit in man, even the breath of the Ruler of all, which gives them knowledge.
9 It is not the old that are wise, nor the aged that understand what is right.
9
It is not the old who are wise, and those who are full of years have not the knowledge of what is right.
10 Therefore I say, "Listen to me; let me also declare my opinion.'
10
So I say, Give ear to me, and I will put forward my knowledge.
11 "See, I waited for your words, I listened for your wise sayings, while you searched out what to say.
11
I was waiting for your words, I was giving ear to your wise sayings; while you were searching out what to say,
12 I gave you my attention, but there was in fact no one that confuted Job, no one among you that answered his words.
12
I was taking note; and truly not one of you was able to make clear Job's error, or to give an answer to his words.
13 Yet do not say, "We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not a human.'
13
Take care that you do not say, Wisdom is here; God may overcome him, but not man.
14 He has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your speeches.
14
I will not put forward words like these, or make use of your sayings in answer to him.
15 "They are dismayed, they answer no more; they have not a word to say.
15
Fear has overcome them, they have no more answers to give; they have come to an end of words.
16 And am I to wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more?
16
And am I to go on waiting while they have nothing to say? while they keep quiet and give no more answers?
17 I also will give my answer; I also will declare my opinion.
17
I will give my answer; I will put forward my knowledge:
18 For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.
18
For I am full of words, I am unable to keep in my breath any longer:
19 My heart is indeed like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins, it is ready to burst.
19
My stomach is like wine which is unable to get out; like skins full of new wine, it is almost burst.
20 I must speak, so that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
20
Let me say what is in my mind, so that I may get comfort; let me give answer with open mouth.
21 I will not show partiality to any person or use flattery toward anyone.
21
Let me not give respect to any man, or give names of honour to any living.
22 For I do not know how to flatter— or my Maker would soon put an end to me!
22
For I am not able to give names of honour to any man; and if I did, my Maker would quickly take me away.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.