KJV ORIGINAL
For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
I don't know how to give people fancy, flattering titles just to make them feel good; if I did that, my Creator would quickly remove me.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The speaker is saying he refuses to use empty flattery or give people undeserved praise because God would punish him for being dishonest.
📚 Historical Context
This is Elihu speaking, a young man who has been listening to Job and his three friends debate about suffering and God's justice. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, it was common to use elaborate, flattering titles when addressing people of higher status, but Elihu is rejecting this practice in favor of honest speech.
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