Job 12:13–25

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

counsel and understanding are his.

¹⁴What he destroys cannot be rebuilt.

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

¹⁵If he holds back the rain, the earth becomes a desert.

If he releases the waters, they flood the earth.

¹⁶Yes, strength and wisdom are his;

deceivers and deceived are both in his power.

¹⁷He leads counselors away, stripped of good judgment;

wise judges become fools.

¹⁸He removes the royal robe of kings.

They are led away with ropes around their waist.

¹⁹He leads priests away, stripped of status;

he overthrows those with long years in power.

²⁰He silences the trusted adviser

and removes the insight of the elders.

²¹He pours disgrace upon princes

and disarms the strong.

²²“He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness;

he brings light to the deepest gloom.

²³He builds up nations, and he destroys them.

He expands nations, and he abandons them.

²⁴He strips kings of understanding

and leaves them wandering in a pathless wasteland.

²⁵They grope in the darkness without a light.

He makes them stagger like drunkards.