[1] There are mines where silver is dug; There are places where gold is refined. [2] We dig iron out of the ground And melt copper out of the stones. [3] Miners explore the deepest darkness. They search the depths of the earth And dig for rocks in the darkness. [4] Far from where anyone lives Or human feet ever travel, They dig the shafts of mines. There they work in loneliness, Clinging to ropes in the pits. [5] Food grows out of the earth, But underneath the same earth All is torn up and crushed. [6] The stones of the earth contain sapphires, And its dust contains gold. [7] No hawk sees the roads to the mines, And no vulture ever flies over them. [8] No lion or other fierce beast Ever travels those lonely roads. [9] Miners dig the hardest rocks, Dig mountains away at their base. [10] As they tunnel through the rocks, They discover precious stones. [11] They dig to the sources of rivers And bring to light what is hidden. [12] But where can wisdom be found? Where can we learn to understand? [13] Wisdom is not to be found among mortals; No one knows its true value. [14] The depths of the oceans and seas Say that wisdom is not found there. [15] It cannot be bought with silver or gold. [16] The finest gold and jewels Cannot equal its value. [17] It is worth more than gold, Than a gold vase or finest glass. [18] The value of wisdom is more Than coral or crystal or rubies. [19] The finest topaz and the purest gold Cannot compare with the value of wisdom. [20] Where, then, is the source of wisdom? Where can we learn to understand? [21] No living creature can see it, Not even a bird in flight. [22] Even death and destruction Admit they have heard only rumors. [23] God alone knows the way, Knows the place where wisdom is found, [24] Because he sees the ends of the earth, Sees everything under the sky. [25] When God gave the wind its power And determined the size of the sea; [26] When God decided where the rain would fall, And the path that the thunderclouds travel; [27] It was then he saw wisdom and tested its worth- He gave it his approval. [28] God said to us humans, "To be wise, you must have reverence for the Lord. To understand, you must turn from evil."
