New King James Version

Job 12:1-13 New King James Version (NKJV)

1. Then Job answered and said:

2. “No doubt you are the people,And wisdom will die with you!

3. But I have understanding as well as you;I am not inferior to you.Indeed, who does not know such things as these?

4. “I am one mocked by his friends,Who called on God, and He answered him,The just and blameless who is ridiculed.

5. A lamp is despised in the thought of one who is at ease;It is made ready for those whose feet slip.

6. The tents of robbers prosper,And those who provoke God are secure—In what God provides by His hand.

7. “But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you;And the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

8. Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you;And the fish of the sea will explain to you.

9. Who among all these does not knowThat the hand of the Lord has done this,

10. In whose hand is the life of every living thing,And the breath of all mankind?

11. Does not the ear test wordsAnd the mouth taste its food?

12. Wisdom is with aged men,And with length of days, understanding.

13. “With Him are wisdom and strength,He has counsel and understanding.