Open English Translation JOB Chapter 32

32 After that those three men stopped answering Iyyov, because they considered that he had just been trying to justify himself. 2 Then Elihu (son of Barakel the Buzite, from the clan of Ram) got angry with Iyyov because Iyyov seemed to be claiming that he was in the right rather than God.

3 He was also angry at Iyyov’s three friends, because they had declared that he was wrong, yet hadn’t found any reasonable justification for it. 4 Elihu had waited to speak because they were all older than him, 5 but when he had seen that they didn’t really have any answer, he got angry.

6 So now Elihi (son of Barakel the Buzite) spoke up:

I’m only young and all of you are much older than me,

so I was shy and reluctant to give you all my views.

7 I told myself to let the elders speak,

≈ and to let those with much experience share their wisdom.

8 However, each person has a spirit,

≈ and the provider’s breath gives us understanding.

9 Not so many people are wise,

and older people don’t necessarily understand what’s right.

10 So I say, “Listen to me.

I too will declare what I know.

11 Listen, I waited for your words.

I listened to your wise sayings

while you all searched for the right words.

12 I gave you all my full attention, but listen,

none of you could refute Iyyov

≈ or could answer his words.

13 So don’t tell yourselves that you displayed wisdom.

It’s God who must refute him—not any person.

14 But Iyyov hasn’t directed his words against me,

and I won’t answer him with your answers.

15 They’re dismayed and can’t answer again.

≈ Their words have run away from them.

16 Should I wait because they’re not speaking?

≈ They stand there but haven’t answered again.

17 Yes, I too will answer with my share.

≈ I’ll declare my opinion as well.

18 Because I’m full of words.

≈ Something inside me compels me.

19 My belly is like pressurised wine.

≈ It’ll split open like a new wineskin.

20 Let me speak so I can relax.

≈ I’ll open my mouth and answer.

21 I won’t take anyone’s side,

≈ and I won’t flatter anyone with fancy titles.

22 I don’t know how to give fancy titles.

My maker would soon take me away.