Job 12:8

8 ask the creatures of earth and sea for their wisdom.

Job 12:8 Meaning and Commentary

Job 12:8

Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee
Or ask "a sprig of the earth" ^F14, any shrub, or tree, or whatsoever grows out of it, and they will all unite in this doctrine, that they are raised and preserved by the power of God, and are so many instances of his wisdom, power, and goodness:

and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee;
as mute as they are, they will proclaim this truth, that God is the mighty Maker and wise Disposer of them.

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 (Ural xyv) "virgultum terrae", Pagninus, Schmidt; so Drusius and Michaelis.

Job 12:8 In-Context

6 But thieves and godless people live in peace, though their only god is their own strength.

7 Even birds and animals have much they could teach you;

8 ask the creatures of earth and sea for their wisdom.

9 All of them know that the Lord's hand made them.

10 It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone's life is in his power.