²⁷ “We have studied life and found all this to be true.
    Listen to my counsel, and apply it to yourself.”

² How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
    All who delight in him should ponder them.

¹² If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
    If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

¹¹ “I have waited all this time,
    listening very carefully to your arguments,
    listening to you grope for words.
¹² I have listened,
    but not one of you has refuted Job
    or answered his arguments.

² “Can a person do anything to help God?
    Can even a wise person be helpful to him?

¹⁷ “If you will listen, I will show you.
    I will answer you from my own experience.

⁹ What do you know that we don’t?
    What do you understand that we do not?
¹⁰ On our side are aged, gray-haired men
    much older than your father!

² “You people really know everything, don’t you?
    And when you die, wisdom will die with you!

⁸ “Just ask the previous generation.
    Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors.
⁹ For we were born but yesterday and know nothing.
    Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow.
¹⁰ But those who came before us will teach you.
    They will teach you the wisdom of old.