Job 28:16-28 ▼

16 It can't be bought with the gold from Ophir or with precious onyx or sapphire.

17 Neither gold nor glass can equal its value. Nor can gold ornaments, jewels, or crystal

18 be exchanged for it. Wisdom is more valuable than gems.

19 Topaz from Ethiopia cannot equal its value. It cannot be bought for [any amount of] pure gold.

20 |Where does wisdom come from? Where does understanding live?

21 It is hidden from the eyes of every living being, hidden even from the birds in the air.

22 Decay and Death say, 'We've heard a rumor about it.'

23 |God understands the way to it. He knows where it lives

24 because he can see to the ends of the earth and observe everything under heaven.

25 When he gave the wind its force and measured the water [in the sea],

26 when he made rules for the rain and set paths for the thunderstorms,

27 then he saw it and announced it. He confirmed it and examined it.

28 So he told humans, 'The fear of the Lord is wisdom! To stay away from evil is understanding.'|