Job 12:7–15

7 But ask the animals, and they will instruct you;

ask the birds of the sky,

and they will tell you.o

8 Or speak to the earth, and it will instruct you;

let the fish of the sea inform you.

9 Which of all these does not know

that the hand of the Lord has done this?p

10 The life of every living thing is in his hand,

as well as the breath of all humanity.q

11 Doesn’t the ear test words

as the palate tastes food?

12 Wisdom is found with the elderly,

and understanding comes with long life.r

13 Wisdom and strength belong to God;

counsel and understanding are his.s

14 Whatever he tears down cannot be rebuilt;

whoever he imprisons cannot be released.t

15 When he withholds water, everything dries up,

and when he releases it, it destroys the land.u