Job's Response to Zophar

1When Job answered, and said:

2Are you then men alone, and shall wisdom die with you?

3I also have a heart as well as you: for who is ignorant of these things, which you know?

4He that is mocked by his friends as I, shall call upon God and he will hear him: for the simplicity of the just man is laughed to scorn.

5The lamp despised in the thoughts of the rich, is ready for the time appointed.

6The tabernacles of robbers abound, and they provoke God boldly; whereas it is he that hath given all into their hands:

7But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee: and the birds of the air, and they shall tell thee.

8Speak to the earth, and it shall answer thee: and the fishes of the sea shall tell.

9Who is ignorant that the hand of the Lord hath made all these things?

10In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the spirit of all flesh of man.

11Doth not the ear discern words, and the palate of him that eateth, the taste?

12In the ancient is wisdom, and in length of days prudence.

13With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.

14If he pull down, there is no man that can build up: if he shut up a. man, there is none that can open.

15If he withhold the waters, all things shall be dried up: and if he send them out, they shall overturn the earth.

16With him is strength and wisdom: he knoweth both the deceiver, and him that is deceived.

17He bringeth counsellors to a foolish end, and judges to insensibility.

18He looseth the belt of kings, and girdeth their loins with a cord.

19He leadeth away priests without glory, and overthroweth nobles.

20He changeth the speech of the true speakers, and taketh away the doctrine of the aged.

21He poureth contempt upon princes, and relieveth them that were oppressed.

22He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth up to light the shadow of death.

23He multiplieth nations, and destroyeth them, and restoreth them again after they were overthrown.

24He changeth the heart of the princes of the people of the earth, and deceiveth them that they walk in vain where there is no way.

25They shall grope as in the dark, and not in the light, and he shall make them stagger like men that are drunk.