Job 12:1-25 NIrV

[1] Job replied, [2] “You people think you are the only ones who matter! You are sure that wisdom will die with you! [3] But I have a brain, just like you. I’m as clever as you are. In fact, everyone knows as much as you do. [4] “My friends laugh at me all the time, even though I called out to God and he answered. My friends laugh at me, even though I’m honest and right. [5] People who have an easy life look down on those who have problems. They think trouble comes only to those whose feet are slipping. [6] Why doesn’t anyone bother the tents of robbers? Why do those who make God angry remain secure? They are in God’s hands! [7] “But ask the animals what God does. They will teach you. Or ask the birds in the sky. They will tell you. [8] Or speak to the earth. It will teach you. Or let the fish in the ocean educate you. [9] Are there any of these creatures that don’t know what the powerful hand of the LORD has done? [10] He holds the life of every creature in his hand. He controls the breath of every human being. [11] Our tongues tell us what tastes good and what doesn’t. And our ears tell us what’s true and what isn’t. [12] Old people are wise. Those who live a long time have understanding. [13] “Wisdom and power belong to God. Advice and understanding also belong to him. [14] What he tears down can’t be rebuilt. The people he puts in prison can’t be set free. [15] If he holds back the water, everything dries up. If he lets the water loose, it floods the land. [16] Strength and understanding belong to him. Those who tell lies and those who believe them also belong to him. [17] He removes the wisdom of rulers and leads them away. He makes judges look foolish. [18] He sets people free from the chains that kings put on them. Then he dresses the kings in the clothes of slaves. [19] He removes the authority of priests and leads them away. He removes from their positions officials who have been in control for a long time. [20] He shuts the mouths of trusted advisers. He takes away the understanding of elders. [21] He looks down on proud leaders. He takes away the strength of those who are mighty. [22] He tells people the secrets of darkness. He brings total darkness out into the light. [23] He makes nations great, and then he destroys them. He makes nations grow, and then he scatters them. [24] He takes away the understanding of the leaders of the earth. He makes them wander in a desert where no one lives. [25] Without any light, they feel their way along in darkness. God makes them unsteady like those who get drunk.