1. Then Job replied ⌊to his friends⌋,
2. “You certainly are ⌊wise⌋ people,and when you die, wisdom will die.
3. Like you, I have a mind.I am not inferior to you.But who doesn’t know these things?
4. I am a laughingstock to my neighbors.I am one who calls on God and expects an answer.A man of integrity, a man who is righteous, has become a laughingstock.
5. “A person who has an easy life has no appreciation for misfortune.He thinks it is the fate of those who slip up.
6. ⌊But⌋ robbers’ tents are prosperous,and there is security for those who provoke God,for those whose god is their power.
7. “Instead, ask the animals, and they will teach you.Ask the birds, and they will tell you.
8. Or speak with the earth, and it will teach you.Even the fish will relate ⌊the story⌋ to you.
9. What creature doesn’t know that the Lord’s hands made it?
10. The life of every living creatureand the spirit in every human body are in his hands.
11. Doesn’t the ear distinguish soundsand the tongue taste food?
12. “Wisdom is with the ancient one.The one who has had many days has insight.