Priceless Wisdom

^[1] There is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined. ^[2] Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore. ^[3] Mortals put an end to the darkness; they search out the farthest recesses for ore in the blackest darkness. ^[4] Far from human dwellings they cut a shaft, in places untouched by human feet; far from other people they dangle and sway. ^[5] The earth, from which food comes, is transformed below as by fire; ^[6] lapis lazuli comes from its rocks, and its dust contains nuggets of gold. ^[7] No bird of prey knows that hidden path, no falcon’s eye has seen it. ^[8] Proud beasts do not set foot on it, and no lion prowls there. ^[9] People assault the flinty rock with their hands and lay bare the roots of the mountains. ^[10] They tunnel through the rock; their eyes see all its treasures. ^[11] They search the sources of the rivers and bring hidden things to light. ^[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.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.