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:
24. For he looketh to the ends of the earth, he seeth under the whole heaven.
25. In making a weight for the wind, and meting out the waters by measure,
26. In appointing a statute for the rain, and a way for the thunder's flash:
27. Then did he see it, and declare it; he established it, yea, and searched it out;
28. And unto man he said, Lo, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.