Job 28:12–28

¹²But where can wisdom be found?

Where can we learn to understand?

¹³Wisdom is not to be found among mortals;

No one knows its true value.

¹⁴The depths of the oceans and seas

Say that wisdom is not found there.

¹⁵It cannot be bought with silver or gold.

¹⁶The finest gold and jewels

Cannot equal its value.

¹⁷It is worth more than gold,

Than a gold vase or finest glass.

¹⁸The value of wisdom is more

Than coral or crystal or rubies.

¹⁹The finest topaz and the purest gold

Cannot compare with the value of wisdom.

²⁰Where, then, is the source of wisdom?

Where can we learn to understand?

²¹No living creature can see it,

Not even a bird in flight.

²²Even death and destruction

Admit they have heard only rumours.

²³God alone knows the way,

Knows the place where wisdom is found,

²⁴Because he sees the ends of the earth,

Sees everything under the sky.

²⁵When God gave the wind its power

And determined the size of the sea;

²⁶When God decided where the rain would fall,

And the path that the thunderclouds travel;

²⁷It was then he saw wisdom and tested its worth—

He gave it his approval.

^28*God said to human beings,

“To be wise, you must have reverence for the Lord.

To understand, you must turn from evil.”