4. I have become the sport of my neighbors:“The one whom God answers when he calls upon him,The just, the perfect man,” is a laughingstock;
5. The undisturbed esteem my downfall a disgracesuch as awaits unsteady feet;
6. Yet the tents of robbers are prosperous,and those who provoke God are secure,whom God has in his power.
7. But now ask the beasts to teach you,the birds of the air to tell you;
8. Or speak to the earth to instruct you,and the fish of the sea to inform you.
9. Which of all these does not knowthat the hand of God has done this?
10. In his hand is the soul of every living thing,and the life breath of all mortal flesh.
11. Does not the ear judge wordsas the mouth tastes food?
12. So with old age is wisdom,and with length of days understanding.
13. With him are wisdom and might;his are counsel and understanding.
14. If he knocks a thing down, there is no rebuilding;if he imprisons, there is no release.
15. He holds back the waters and there is drought;he sends them forth and they overwhelm the land.