12:2. Are you then men alone, and shall wisdom die with you?
12:3. I also have a heart as well as you: for who is ignorant of these things, which you know?
12:4. He that is mocked by his friends as I, shall call upon G.o.d and he will hear him: for the simplicity of the just man is laughed to scorn.
12:5. The lamp despised in the thoughts of the rich, is ready for the time appointed.
12:6. The tabernacles of robbers abound, and they provoke G.o.d boldly; whereas it is he that hath given all into their hands:
12:7. But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee: and the birds of the air, and they shall tell thee.
12:8. Speak to the earth, and it shall answer thee: and the fishes of the sea shall tell.
12:9. Who is ignorant that the hand of the Lord hath made all these things?
12:10. In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the spirit of all flesh of man.
12:11. Doth not the ear discern words, and the palate of him that eateth, the taste?
12:12. In the ancient is wisdom, and in length of days prudence.
12:13. With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
12:14. If he pull down, there is no man that can build up: if he shut up a man, there is none that can open.
12:15. If he withhold the waters, all things shall be dried up: and if he send them out, they shall overturn the earth.
12:16. With him is strength and wisdom: he knoweth both the deceivers, and him that is deceived.
12:17. He bringeth counsellors to a foolish end, and judges to insensibility.
12:18. He looseth the belt of kings, and girdeth their loins with a cord.
12:19. He leadeth away priests without glory, and overthroweth n.o.bles.
12:20. He changeth the speech of the true speakers, and taketh away the doctrine of the aged.
12:21. He poureth contempt upon princes, and relieveth them that were oppressed.
12:22. He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth up to light the shadow of death.
12:23. He multiplieth nations, and destroyeth them, and restoreth them again after they were overthrown.
12:24. He changeth the heart of the princes of the people of the earth, and deceiveth them that they walk in vain where there is no way.
12:25. They shall grope as in the dark, and not in the light, and he shall make them stagger like men that are drunk.
Job Chapter 13
Job persists in maintaining his innocence: and reproves his friends.
13:1. Behold my eye hath seen all these things, and my ear hath heard them, and I have understood them all.
13:2. According to your knowledge I also know: neither am I inferior to you.
13:3. But yet I will speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with G.o.d.
13:4. Having first shewn that you are forgers of lies, and maintainers of perverse opinions.
13:5. And I wish you would hold your peace, that you might be thought to be wise men.
13:6. Hear ye therefore my reproof, and attend to the judgment of my lips.
13:7. Hath G.o.d any need of your lie, that you should speak deceitfully for him?
13:8. Do you accept this person, and do you endeavour to judge for G.o.d?
13:9. Or shall it please him, from whom nothing can be concealed? or shall he be deceived as a man, with your deceitful dealings?
13:10. He shall reprove you, because in secret you accept his person.
13:11. As soon as he shall move himself, he shall trouble you: and his dread shall fall upon you.
13:12. Your remembrance shall be compared to ashes, and your necks shall be brought to clay.
13:13. Hold your peace a little while, that I may speak whatsoever my mind shall suggest to me.
13:14. Why do I tear my flesh with my teeth, and carry my soul in my hands?
13:15. Although he should kill me, I will trust in him: but yet I will reprove my ways in his sight.
13:16. And he shall be my saviour: for no hypocrite shall come before his presence.
13:17. Hear ye my speech, and receive with your ears hidden truths.
13:18. If I shall be judged, I know that I shall be found just.
13:19. Who is he that will plead against me? let him come: why am I consumed holding my peace?
13:20. Two things only do not to me, and then from thy face I shall not be hid:
13:21. Withdraw thy hand far from me, and let not thy dread terrify me.
13:22. Call me, and I will answer thee: or else I will speak, and do thou answer me.
13:23. How many are my iniquities and sins? make me know my crimes and offenses.
13:24. Why hidest thou thy face, and thinkest me thy enemy?