‏ Job 12

Job’s reply to Sophar. He extols God’s power and wisdom.

1Then Job, answering, said: 2Are you, therefore, alone among men, and will wisdom die with you? 3And 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? 4He 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. 5The lamp that is despised in the thoughts of the rich is ready for the appointed time. 6The tabernacles of robbers are numerous, and they provoke God boldly; whereas, it is he who has given all things into their hands. 7In truth, ask the mules, and they will teach you, and the birds of the sky, and they will reveal to you. 8Speak with the earth, and it will respond to you, and the fish of the sea will explain. 9Who is ignorant that the hand of the Lord has made all these things? 10In his hand is the soul of all the living and the spirit of all the flesh of mankind. 11Does not the ear perceive words, and the palate, when eating, perceive flavor? 12In old age is wisdom, and in length of days is prudence. 13With him is wisdom and strength, he has counsel and understanding. 14If he tears down, there is no one who can build up; if he encloses a man, there is no one who can open. 15If he restrains the waters, everything will dry up; and if he sends them forth, they will subdue the land. 16With him is strength and wisdom; he knows both the deceiver and he who is deceived. 17He leads advisors to a foolish end and judges to stupidity. 18He removes the belt of kings and encircles their waist with a rope. 19He leads away priests in dishonor and displaces nobles, 20altering the lips of those who speak the truth and sweeping away the teaching of the aged. 21He pours disdain upon the leaders, relieving those who had been oppressed. 22He reveals the depths of the darkness, and he brings the shadow of death into the light. 23He multiplies peoples, and destroys them, and, having been overthrown, he restores them anew. 24He transforms the heart of the leaders of the people on earth, and misleads those who in vain advance upon the inviolable. 25They will grope as in the darkness, not the light, and he will make them stagger like drunkards.