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 rumour of it has reached our ears.’
23. God understands the way to itand he alone knows where it dwells,