4. “My friends laugh at me now. They say, ‘He prayed to God and got his answer.’ I am a good, innocent man, but still they laugh at me.
5. Those who have no troubles make fun of those who do. They hit a man when he is down.
6. But robbers’ tents are not bothered. Those who make God angry live in peace, even though God has them in his power.
7. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you. Or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you.
8. Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you. Or let the fish in the sea tell you their wisdom.
9. Everyone knows that the Lord made these things.
10. Every animal that lives and everyone who breathes— they are all under God’s power.
11. But just as the tongue tastes food, the ears test the words they hear.
12. People say, ‘Wisdom is to be found in those who are old. Long life brings understanding.’
13. But wisdom and power belong to God. Good advice and understanding are his.
14. Anything God tears down cannot be rebuilt. Anyone he puts in prison cannot be set free.
15. If he holds back the rain, the earth will dry up. If he lets the rain loose, it will flood the land.