” But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?
Man does not comprehend its worth; it cannot be found in the
land of the living.
The deep says, ‘It is not in me’; the sea says, ‘It is not
with me.’ It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can
its price be weighed in silver.
It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx
or sapphires.
Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be
had for jewels of gold. Coral and jasper are not worthy of
mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. The topaz of
Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure
gold.
Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?
It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even
from the birds of the air.
Destruction and Death say, ‘Only a rumor of it has reached our ears.’
God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it
dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under
the heavens.
When he established the force of the wind and measured out the
waters, when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the
thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he
confirmed it and tested it.
And he said to man,
‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is
understanding.’ “
Job 28:12-28