1
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Then Job answered them: |
2
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"I'm sure you think you are the only wise people left. You think that when you die, wisdom will be gone with you. |
3
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But my mind is as good as yours. You aren't any smarter than I am. You haven't said anything that people don't already know. |
4
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"My friends laugh at me now. They say, 'He prayed to God and got his answer.' I am a good man; I am innocent, but still they laugh at me. |
5
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Those who have no troubles make fun of those who do. They hit a man when he is down. |
6
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But robbers' tents are not bothered. Those who make God angry live in peace, even though God has them in his power. |
7
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"But ask the animals, and they will teach you. Or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. |
8
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Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you. Or let the fish in the sea tell you their wisdom. |
9
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Everyone knows the Lord made these things. |
10
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Every animal that lives and everyone who breathes— they are all under God's power. |
11
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But just as the tongue tastes food, the ears test the words they hear. |
12
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People say, 'Wisdom is to be found in those who are old. Long life brings understanding.' |
13
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But wisdom and power belong to God. Good advice and understanding are his. |
14
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Anything God tears down cannot be rebuilt. Anyone he puts in prison cannot be set free. |
15
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If he holds back the rain, the earth will dry up. If he lets the rain loose, it will flood the land. |
16
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God is strong and always wins. He controls those who fool others and those who are fooled. |
17
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He strips advisors of their wisdom and makes leaders act like fools. |
18
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He strips kings of their authority and makes them slaves. |
19
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He strips priests of their power and removes those who feel so secure in their position. |
20
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He makes trusted advisors be silent. He takes away the wisdom of the older leaders. |
21
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He brings disgrace to important people. He takes power away from rulers. |
22
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He exposes even the darkest secrets. He sends light into places that are as dark as death. |
23
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God makes nations great, and then he destroys them. He makes nations grow large, and then he scatters their people. |
24
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He makes their leaders foolish. He makes them wander around in the desert. |
25
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They are like someone feeling their way in the dark. They are like drunks who don't know where they are going. |
Job 12:4 English Language Bible Words basic statistical display
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