Job

Explores the themes of suffering and faith through the story of Job, a man tested by losing everything.

Chapter 32

1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

*So, the three men stopped talking to Job, since he believed he was righteous and good in his own opinion.

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.

*Then Elihu, son of Barachel from the Buzite family and relative of Ram, became very angry. His anger was aimed at Job because Job defended himself more than he praised God.

3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

*God was angry at Job's three friends because they couldn't answer Job's questions, but still judged him unfairly.

4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

*Elihu patiently waited for Job to finish speaking, since Job was older than him.

5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.

*When Elihu noticed that those three men had nothing to say, he became very angry.

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 shew you mine opinion.

*Elihu, son of Barachel from Buz, replied, "I'm young, while you're all very old. That's why I was scared and didn't share my thoughts with you."

7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

*I said that days should share their knowledge, and many years should teach people how to be wise.

8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

*But people have a special spirit: and the powerful God gives them the ability to understand things.

9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

*Big people aren't always smart: old folks don't always get what's right either.

10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

*So, I asked them to listen to me, and I'll share my thoughts too.

11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

*Look, I was waiting for your words; I listened to your explanations while you figured out what to say.

12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

*Yes, I listened to you, and I saw that nobody from your group could prove Job wrong or respond to what he said.

13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

*So that you don't think you've discovered wisdom yourself; it's God who causes someone to fall, not people.

14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

*He didn't say anything bad about me, and I won't defend myself using your words.

15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

*They were shocked, they replied "No"; then they stopped talking.

16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

*When I waited, (but they didn't speak, just stood there and said nothing more;)

17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

*I said, "I'll give an answer too, and I'll share my thoughts as well."

18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

*Because I have so much to say, my inner spirit won't let me stop.

19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

*Look, my stomach is like a bottle of wine that can't be opened; it's about to break like new bottles.

20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

*I'll talk to feel rejuvenated. I'll open my mouth and respond.

21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

*Please don't let me accept anyone's appearance, and don't let me give people fake complimentary names.

22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

*I don't know how to use flattering words; if I do, my creator might take me away quickly.

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