Job 20:3

When ¹  I hear a reproof that dishonors ²  me, then my understanding ³  prompts me to answer. ⁴ 

I hear a rebuke that dishonours me, and my understanding inspires me to reply.

"I listened to the reproof which insults me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.

I have had to endure your insults, but now my spirit prompts me to reply.

How dare you insult my intelligence like this! Well, here's a piece of my mind!

I have to give ear to arguments which put me to shame, and your answers to me are wind without wisdom.

I hear censure that insults me, and a spirit beyond my understanding answers me.

I have heard the rebuke that reproaches me, And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.

When ¹  I hear a reproof that dishonors ²  me, then my understanding ³  prompts me to answer. ⁴ 

¹ tn There is no indication that this clause is to be subordinated to the next, other than the logical connection, and the use of the ו (vav) in the second half.

² tn See Job 19:3.

³ tn The phrase actually has רוּחַ מִבִּינָתִי (ruakh mibbinati, “a spirit/wind/breath/impulse from my understanding”). Some translate it “out of my understanding a spirit answers me.” The idea is not that difficult, and so the many proposals to rewrite the text can be rejected. The spirit of his understanding prompts the reply.

⁴ tn To take this verb as a simple Qal and read it “answers me,” does not provide a clear idea. The form can just as easily be taken as a Hiphil, with the sense “causes me to answer.” It is Zophar who will “return” and who will “answer.”