4. I am a laughingstock to my friends;I, who called to God and he answered me,a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock.
5. In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune;it is ready for those whose feet slip.
6. The tents of robbers are at peace,and those who provoke God are secure,who bring their god in their hand.
7. “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you;the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
8. or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you;and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
9. Who among all these does not knowthat the hand of the Lord has done this?
10. In his hand is the life of every living thingand the breath of all mankind.
11. Does not the ear test wordsas the palate tastes food?
12. Wisdom is with the aged,and understanding in length of days.
13. “With God are wisdom and might;he has counsel and understanding.
14. If he tears down, none can rebuild;if he shuts a man in, none can open.
15. If he withholds the waters, they dry up;if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land.
16. With him are strength and sound wisdom;the deceived and the deceiver are his.
17. He leads counselors away stripped,and judges he makes fools.