5. For calamity, there is derision (according to the ideas of the fortunate) – a fate for those whose feet slip!
6. But the tents of robbers are peaceful,and those who provoke God are confident – who carry their god in their hands.
7. “But now, ask the animals and they will teach you,or the birds of the sky and they will tell you.
8. Or speak to the earth and it will teach you,or let the fish of the sea declare to you.
9. Which of all these does not knowthat the hand of the Lord has done this,
10. in whose hand is the life of every creatureand the breath of all the human race.
11. Does not the ear test words,as the tongue tastes food?
12. Is not wisdom found among the aged?Does not long life bring understanding?
13. “With God are wisdom and power;counsel and understanding are his.
14. If he tears down, it cannot be rebuilt;if he imprisons a person, there is no escape.
15. If he holds back the waters, then they dry up;if he releases them, they destroy the land.
16. With him are strength and prudence;both the one who goes astrayand the one who misleads are his.
17. He leads counselors away strippedand makes judges into fools.