Job 12:11–14

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 “To God belong wisdom and power;

counsel and understanding are his.

14 What he tears down cannot be rebuilt;

those he imprisons cannot be released.

11 Doth not the ear try words?

And the mouth taste his meat?

12 With the ancient is wisdom;

And in length of days understanding.

13 With him is wisdom and strength,

He hath counsel and understanding.

14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again:

He shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.

11 The ear tests the words it hears

just as the mouth distinguishes between foods.

12 Wisdom belongs to the aged,

and understanding to the old.

13 “But true wisdom and power are found in God;

counsel and understanding are his.

14 What he destroys cannot be rebuilt.

When he puts someone in prison, there is no escape.

11 Does not the ear test words

And 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.

14 If He breaks a thing down, it cannot be rebuilt;

If He imprisons a man, there can be no release.

11 The ear tests words

as the tongue tastes food.

12 Older people are wise,

and long life brings understanding.

13 “But only God has wisdom and power,

good advice and understanding.

14 What he tears down cannot be rebuilt;

anyone he puts in prison cannot be let out.

11 Doth not the ear try words,

Even as the palate tasteth its food?

12 With aged men is wisdom,

And in length of days understanding.

13 With God is wisdom and might;

He hath counsel and understanding.

14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again;

He shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.

11 Doth not the ear try words, as the palate tasteth food?

12 With the aged is wisdom, and in length of days understanding. 13 With him is wisdom and might; he hath counsel and understanding. 14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it is not built again; he shutteth up a man, and there is no opening.

11 Doesn’t the ear distinguish sounds 

and the tongue taste food? 

12 “Wisdom is with the ancient one. 

The one who has had many days has insight.

13 God has wisdom and strength. 

Advice and insight are his. 

14 When he tears ⸤something⸥ down, it cannot be rebuilt. 

When he puts someone in prison, that person cannot be freed. 

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.

13 Wisdom and strength belong to God;

counsel and understanding are His.

14 Whatever He tears down cannot be rebuilt;

whoever He imprisons cannot be released.

11 Does not the ear test words

as the palate tastes food?

12 Is wisdom with the aged

and understanding in length of days?

13 “With God are wisdom and strength;

he has counsel and understanding.

14 If he tears down, no one can rebuild;

if he shuts someone in, no one can open up.

11 Does not the ear test words

and the palate taste food for itself?

12 Wisdom is with the aged,

and understanding is in length of days.

13 “With him are wisdom and powerful deeds,

and to him belong counsel and understanding.

14 If he tears down, then it will not be rebuilt;

if he shuts a man in, then he cannot be freed.

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.

11 “Does not the ear test words,

As the palate tastes its food?

12 “Wisdom is with aged men,

With long life is understanding.

13 “With Him are wisdom and might;

To Him belong counsel and understanding.

14 “Behold, He tears down, and it cannot be rebuilt;

He imprisons a man, and there can be no release.