12:1 Then Job answered, and said:

12:2 Are you then men alone, and shall wisdom die with you?

12:3 I also have a heart as well as you: for who is ignorant of these things, which you know?

12:4 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.

12:5 The lamp despised in the thoughts of the rich, is ready for the time appointed.

12:6 The tabernacles of robbers abound, and they provoke God boldly; whereas it is he that hath given all into their hands:

12:7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee: and the birds of the air, and they shall tell thee.

12:8 Speak to the earth, and it shall answer thee: and the fishes of the sea shall tell.

12:9 Who is ignorant that the hand of the Lord hath made all these things?

12:10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the spirit of all flesh of man.

12:11 Doth not the ear discern words, and the palate of him that eateth, the taste?

12:12 In the ancient is wisdom, and in length of days prudence.

12:13 With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.

12:14 If he pull down, there is no man that can build up: if he shut up a man, there is none that can open.

12:15 If he withhold the waters, all things shall be dried up: and if he send them out, they shall overturn the earth.

12:16 With him is strength and wisdom: he knoweth both the deceivers, and him that is deceived.

12:17 He bringeth counsellors to a foolish end, and judges to insensibility.

12:18 He looseth the belt of kings, and girdeth their loins with a cord.

12:19 He leadeth away priests without glory, and overthroweth nobles.

12:20 He changeth the speech of the true speakers, and taketh away the doctrine of the aged.

12:21 He poureth contempt upon princes, and relieveth them that were oppressed.

12:22 He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth up to light the shadow of death.

12:23 He multiplieth nations, and destroyeth them, and restoreth them again after they were overthrown.

12:24 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.

12:25 They shall grope as in the dark, and not in the light, and he shall make them stagger like men that are drunk.