" Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

How forceful are right words! But what does your arguing prove?

"For inquire, please, of the former age, And consider the things discovered by their fathers;

Will they not teach you and tell you, And utter words from their heart?

"Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be vindicated?

That He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For [they would] double [your] prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you [Less] than your iniquity [deserves.]

For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey's colt is born a man.

"Should a wise man answer with empty knowledge, And fill himself with the east wind?

For You have hidden their heart from understanding; Therefore You will not exalt [them.]

I have heard the rebuke that reproaches me, And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.

I said, 'Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.'

Great men are not [always] wise, Nor do the aged [always] understand justice.

Indeed I waited for your words, I listened to your reasonings, while you searched out what to say.

Lest you say, 'We have found wisdom'; God will vanquish him, not man.

The rich man [is] wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.

Woe to [those who are] wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!

We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but you [are] wise in Christ! We [are] weak, but you [are] strong! You [are] distinguished, but we [are] dishonored!

I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?