Job 12:8

8 Put your ear to the earth - learn the basics. Listen - the fish in the ocean will tell you their stories.

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.


FOOTNOTES:

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

Job 12:8 In-Context

6 Crooks reside safely in high-security houses, insolent blasphemers live in luxury; they've bought and paid for a god who'll protect them.
7 "But ask the animals what they think - let them teach you; let the birds tell you what's going on.
8 Put your ear to the earth - learn the basics. Listen - the fish in the ocean will tell you their stories.
9 Isn't it clear that they all know and agree that God is sovereign, that he holds all things in his hand -
10 Every living soul, yes, every breathing creature?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.