But ask the animals, and they will instruct you;
ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you.(A)
Or speak to the earth, and it will instruct you;
let the fish of the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the Lord has done this?(B)
10 The life of every living thing is in his hand,
as well as the breath of all humanity.(C)
11 Doesn’t the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?
12 Wisdom is found with the elderly,
and understanding comes with long life.(D)

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Wisdom Can Be Found in God’s Creation

“Ask the wild animals, and they’ll teach you;
    the birds of the sky will tell you.
Or ask the green plants of the earth and they’ll teach you;
    let the fish in the sea tell you.
Who among all of these doesn’t know
    that the Lord’s hand made them,[a]
10 and that the life of every living thing[b] rests in his control,
    along with the breath of every living human being?
11 The ear scrutinizes speech
    just as the palate tastes food.”

God is the All-Wise and All-Powerful Creator

12 “Wisdom may be found in the company of the aged.
    Understanding comes[c] with longevity.

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Footnotes

  1. Job 12:9 Lit. this
  2. Job 12:10 Lit. all the living
  3. Job 12:12 The Heb. lacks comes