[1] Then Job answered them: [2] "I'm sure you think you are the only wise people left. You think that when you die, wisdom will be gone with you. [3] But my mind is as good as yours. You aren't any smarter than I am. You haven't said anything that people don't already know. [4] "My friends laugh at me now. They say, 'He prayed to God and got his answer.' I am a good, innocent man, but still they laugh at me. [5] Those who have no troubles make fun of those who do. They hit a man when he is down. [6] But robbers' tents are not bothered. Those who make God angry live in peace, even though God has them in his power. [7] "But ask the animals, and they will teach you. Or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. [8] Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you. Or let the fish in the sea tell you their wisdom. [9] Everyone knows that the LORD made these things. [10] Every animal that lives and everyone who breathes- they are all under God's power. [11] But just as the tongue tastes food, the ears test the words they hear. [12] People say, 'Wisdom is to be found in those who are old. Long life brings understanding.' [13] But wisdom and power belong to God. Good advice and understanding are his. [14] Anything God tears down cannot be rebuilt. Anyone he puts in prison cannot be set free. [15] If he holds back the rain, the earth will dry up. If he lets the rain loose, it will flood the land. [16] God is strong and always wins. He controls those who fool others and those who are fooled. [17] He strips advisors of their wisdom and makes leaders act like fools. [18] He strips kings of their authority and makes them slaves. [19] He strips priests of their power and removes those who feel so secure in their position. [20] He makes trusted advisors be silent. He takes away the wisdom of the older leaders. [21] He brings disgrace to important people. He takes power away from rulers. [22] He exposes even the darkest secrets. He sends light into places that are as dark as death. [23] God makes nations great, and then he destroys them. He makes nations grow large, and then he scatters their people. [24] He makes their leaders foolish. He makes them wander around in the desert. [25] They are like someone feeling their way in the dark. They are like drunks who don't know where they are going.
