Job 12
1 Job replied,
Then Job, answering, said:
2 “You really think you're special people, don't you? Obviously when you die, wisdom will die with you!
Are you, therefore, alone among men, and will wisdom die with you?
3 But I too have insights, and you're no better than me. Doesn't everyone know the things you've said?
And I have a heart just as you also do, and I am not inferior to you. For who is ignorant of these things, which you know?
4 But my friends laugh at me because I called on God and he answered me: the innocent man who does right has become an object of derision.
He who is mocked by his friends as I am, will call upon God, and he will listen to him because it is the sincerity of the just that is being mocked.
5 People who are comfortable have contempt for those who are in trouble, ready to push over those who are already slipping.
The lamp that is despised in the thoughts of the rich is ready for the appointed time.
6 Robbers live in peace, and those who make God angry live in safety, trusting their own strength as their ‘god.’
The tabernacles of robbers are numerous, and they provoke God boldly; whereas, it is he who has given all things into their hands.
7 But if you ask the animals they will teach you, the birds in the sky will tell you;
In truth, ask the mules, and they will teach you, and the birds of the sky, and they will reveal to you.
8 ask the earth and it will teach you, and the fishes in the sea will tell you.
Speak with the earth, and it will respond to you, and the fish of the sea will explain.
9 Which of all these doesn't know that the Lord has done this?
Who is ignorant that the hand of the Lord has made all these things?
10 He gives life to every living thing, life to all humankind.
In his hand is the soul of all the living and the spirit of all the flesh of mankind.
11 The ear distinguishes words just like the palate distinguishes foods.
Does not the ear perceive words, and the palate, when eating, perceive flavor?
12 Wisdom to distinguish belongs to the old, and the ability to rightly discriminate belongs to those with long experience.
In old age is wisdom, and in length of days is prudence.
13 God has wisdom and power, counsel and understanding belong to him.
With him is wisdom and strength, he has counsel and understanding.
14 If he tears something down, nobody can rebuild it. If he imprisons someone, nobody can free them.
If he tears down, there is no one who can build up; if he encloses a man, there is no one who can open.
15 If God holds back the waters, everything dries up; if he releases the waters, the earth floods.
If he restrains the waters, everything will dry up; and if he sends them forth, they will subdue the land.
16 He is mighty and victorious; both deceivers and those deceived are subject to him.
With him is strength and wisdom; he knows both the deceiver and he who is deceived.
17 He leads counselors away stripped of their wisdom, he makes judges into fools.
He leads advisors to a foolish end and judges to stupidity.
18 He removes the chains of office from kings and makes them wear loincloths.
He removes the belt of kings and encircles their waist with a rope.
19 He leads priests away stripped of their religious garments, he overthrows the powerful.
He leads away priests in dishonor and displaces nobles,
20 He takes away the advice of trusted advisors, he removes the discernment of the elders.
altering the lips of those who speak the truth and sweeping away the teaching of the aged.
21 He pours scorn upon princes and takes away power from the strong.
He pours disdain upon the leaders, relieving those who had been oppressed.
22 He reveals what is hidden in darkness, and brings into the light the shadow of death.
He reveals the depths of the darkness, and he brings the shadow of death into the light.
23 He makes nations great and he destroys them; he expands nations and ruins them.
He multiplies peoples, and destroys them, and, having been overthrown, he restores them anew.
24 He removes the understanding of rulers and makes them wander in the wilderness.
He transforms the heart of the leaders of the people on earth, and misleads those who in vain advance upon the inviolable.
25 They grope around in the dark without a light. He makes them stagger like drunk people.
They will grope as in the darkness, not the light, and he will make them stagger like drunkards.
