Job, 12
Job's reply to Sophar. He extols God's power and wisdom.
[1] Then Job answered, and said: •
[2] Are you then men alone, and shall wisdom die with you? •
[3] I also have a heart as well as you: for who is ignorant of these things, which you know? •
[4] He 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. •
[5] The lamp despised in the thoughts of the rich, is ready for the time appointed. •
[6] The tabernacles of robbers abound, and they provoke God boldly; whereas it is he that hath given all into their hands: •
[7] But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee: and the birds of the air, and they shall tell thee. •
[8] Speak to the earth, and it shall answer thee: and the fishes of the sea shall tell. •
[9] Who is ignorant that the hand of the Lord hath made all these things?
[10] In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the spirit of all flesh of man.
[11] Doth not the ear discern words, and the palate of him that eateth, the taste? •
[12] In the ancient is wisdom, and in length of days prudence. •
[13] With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. •
[14] If he pull down, there is no man that can build up: if he shut up a man, there is none that can open. •
[15] If he withhold the waters, all things shall be dried up: and if he send them out, they shall overturn the earth.
[16] With him is strength and wisdom: he knoweth both the deceivers, and him that is deceived.
[17] He bringeth counsellors to a foolish end, and judges to insensibility. •
[18] He looseth the belt of kings, and girdeth their loins with a cord. •
[19] He leadeth away priests without glory, and overthroweth nobles. •
[20] He changeth the speech of the true speakers, and taketh away the doctrine of the aged. •
[21] He poureth contempt upon princes, and relieveth them that were oppressed. •
[22] He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth up to light the shadow of death. •
[23] He multiplieth nations, and destroyeth them, and restoreth them again after they were overthrown. •
[24] He 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. •
[25] They shall grope as in the dark, and not in the light, and he shall make them stagger like men that are drunk.