9. Man putteth forth his hand upon the flinty rock, he overturneth the mountains by the root.
10. He cutteth out channels in the rocks, and his eye seeth every precious thing.
11. He bindeth the streams that they drip not, and what is hidden he bringeth forth to light.
12. But wisdom, where shall it be found? and where is the place of understanding?
13. Man knoweth not the value thereof; and it is not found in the land of the living.
14. The deep saith, It is not in me; and the sea saith, It is not with me.
15. Choice gold cannot be given for it, nor silver be weighed for its price.
16. It is not set in the balance with gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, and the sapphire.
17. Gold and glass cannot be compared to it, nor vessels of fine gold be its exchange.
18. Corals and crystal are no more remembered; yea, the acquisition of wisdom is above rubies.
19. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not be compared to it, neither shall it be set in the balance with pure gold.
20. Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
21. For it is hidden from the eyes of all living, and concealed from the fowl of the heavens.
22. Destruction and death say, We have heard its report with our ears.
23. God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth its place: