Job 28:12-28

12But as for wisdom, people do not know where to find it. They cannot learn how to understand things properly.

13Humans do not understand the value of wisdom. They cannot find it in this world where people live.

14Wisdom is not in the sea. Even in the deepest sea, no one will find it.

15Nobody can buy wisdom. You may have lots of gold and silver, but you can never buy wisdom.

16All the pure gold from Ophir will not be enough to buy it. It is worth more than valuable onyx or sapphires.

17Neither gold nor beautiful glass is as valuable as wisdom. A whole pot full of gold could not buy it.

18As for coral and jasper, they are not nearly as valuable as wisdom. Its price is more than the price of rubies.

19Topaz from Ethiopia is not as valuable as wisdom. No one can buy it, not even with pure gold.

20So where can we find wisdom? Where can we learn to understand things properly?

21We cannot see where it is. No person or animal can see it. No bird that flies in the sky can see it.

22In the place of death, they say, “We have heard only a little about wisdom, and where to find it.”

23Only God knows the way to find wisdom. Only he knows where it is.

24He can see to the ends of the earth. He knows what happens everywhere in the world.

25He decided how strong the wind must be. He decided the size of the seas.

26He made a command for the rain to decide where it should fall. He chose where storms should go and make thunder.

27Then he thought about wisdom and its value. He prepared it and he tested it.

28God said this to us humans: “If you want to be wise, learn to respect the Lord with fear. If you want to understand things properly, turn away from evil acts.” ’