² “Doubtless you are the only people who matter,
    and wisdom will die with you!^(A)
3 But I have a mind as well as you;
    I am not inferior to you.
    Who does not know all these things?^(B)

⁴ “I have become a laughingstock^(C) to my friends,^(D)
    though I called on God and he answered^(E)—
    a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!^(F)
5 Those who are at ease have contempt^(G) for misfortune
    as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.^(H)
6 The tents of marauders are undisturbed,^(I)
    and those who provoke God are secure^(J)—
    those God has in his hand.^[a]

⁷ “But ask the animals, and they will teach you,^(K)
    or the birds in the sky,^(L) and they will tell you;^(M)
8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
    or let the fish in the sea inform you.
⁹ Which of all these does not know^(N)
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?^(O)
10 In his hand is the life^(P) of every creature
    and the breath of all mankind.^(Q)
11 Does not the ear test words
    as the tongue tastes food?^(R)
12 Is not wisdom found among the aged?^(S)
    Does not long life bring understanding?^(T)