1And then Job answered, 2“There is no doubt that you are the only wise people, and wisdom shall die with you. 3But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know these things?

4“I am as one mocked by his neighbor, one who calls upon God, and He answers him; a just and upright man that is laughed to scorn. 5He that is at ease cannot relate to him that is in distress and ready to slip with his feet. 6The tents of robbers prosper, and they who provoke God feel secure; into whose hand God brings abundance.

7“But ask, now, the animals, and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell you. 8Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach you; and the fish of the sea shall tell you. 9Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? 10In His hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

11“Does not the ear test words? And the mouth taste its food? 12Is wisdom not found among the aged; and does understanding not come with length of days? 13But only with Him is true wisdom and strength, He alone has counsel and understanding.

14“Behold, what He breaks down cannot be rebuilt; when He confines a man, there can be no escape. 15He impounds waters, and they dry up; He also releases waters, to overflow and devastate the earth. 16With Him is strength and wisdom; the deceiver and the deceived alike are in His power. 17He leads esteemed counselors away embarrassed, and makes the judges fools. 18He loosens the bonds of kings, and wraps their waste with a belt. 19He leads princes away spoiled, and overthrows the mighty. 20He leaves trusted advisors speechless, and negates the discretion and wisdom of the aged. 21He pours contempt upon princes, and weakens the strength of the mighty. 22He reveals deep things hidden in darkness, and brings deep darkness into light. 23He builds up and destroys nations; He expands, and limits them. 24He removes reasoning from the leaders of the earth, and causes them to wander aimlessly from their intended path. 25They grope in the dark without light, and He causes them to stagger like a drunken man.