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. Any man 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 success belong to him. Those who tell lies and those who believe them also belong to him.
17. He removes the wisdom of advisers 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 those 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 evil plans 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.