1. Then Job replied:
2. “Doubtless you are the only people who matter, and wisdom will die with you!
3. But I have a mind as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know all these things?
4. “I have become a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God and he answered— a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!
5. Those who are at ease have contempt for misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
6. The tents of marauders are undisturbed, and those who provoke God are secure— those God has in his hand.
7. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
8. or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.
9. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?
10. In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
11. Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?
12. Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
13. “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.