19. The finest topaz and the purest goldCannot compare with the value of wisdom.
20. Where, then, is the source of wisdom?Where can we learn to understand?
21. No living creature can see it,Not even a bird in flight.
22. Even death and destructionAdmit they have heard only rumours.
23. God alone knows the way,Knows the place where wisdom is found,
24. Because he sees the ends of the earth,Sees everything under the sky.
25. When God gave the wind its powerAnd determined the size of the sea;
26. When God decided where the rain would fall,And the path that the thunderclouds travel;
27. It 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.”