4I am as one mocked by his neighbor, one who calls upon God, and He answers him; a just and upright man is laughed to scorn. 5He that is at ease cannot relate to him that is in distress and ready to slip with his feet. 6The tents of robbers prosper, and they who provoke God feel secure; into whose hand God brings abundance.

7But ask, now, the animals, and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell you. 8Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach you; and the fishes of the sea shall tell you. 9Who in all these knows not that the hand of the LORD has wrought this? 10In Whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

11Does not the ear test words? And the mouth taste its food? 12With the ancient is wisdom; and with length of days comes understanding. 13But only with Him is true wisdom and strength, He alone has counsel and understanding.

14Behold, He breaks down, and it cannot be rebuilt; He confines a man, and there can be no escape. 15Behold, He impounds waters, and they dry up; He also releases waters, to overflow and devastate the earth. 16With Him is strength and wisdom; the deceiver and the deceived alike are in His power. 17He leads esteemed counselors away embarrassed, and makes the judges fools. 18He loosens the bond of kings, and binds their loins with a girdle. 19He leads princes away spoiled, and overthrows the mighty. 20He leaves trusted advisors speechless, and negates the discretion and wisdom of the aged. 21He pours contempt upon princes, and weakens the strength of the mighty. 22He uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings out the shadow of death to light. 23He increases and destroys nations; He enlarges, and limits them. 24He removes the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causes them to wander aimlessly from their intended path. 25They grope in the dark without light, and He makes them to stagger like a drunken man.