[12] But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? [13] No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living. [14] The deep says, “It is not in me”; the sea says, “It is not with me.” [15] It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. [16] It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or lapis lazuli. [17] Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold. [18] Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. [19] The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold. [20] Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? [21] It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds in the sky. [22] Destruction and Death say, “Only a rumor of it has reached our ears.” [23] God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, [24] for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. [25] When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, [26] when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, [27] then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. [28] And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
