5. Food grows out of the earth,But underneath the same earthAll is torn up and crushed.
6. The stones of the earth contain sapphires,And its dust contains gold.
7. No hawk sees the roads to the mines,And no vulture ever flies over them.
8. No lion or other fierce beastEver travels those lonely roads.
9. Miners dig the hardest rocks,Dig mountains away at their base.
10. As they tunnel through the rocks,They discover precious stones.
11. They dig to the sources of riversAnd bring to light what is hidden.
12. But where can wisdom be found?Where can we learn to understand?
13. Wisdom is not to be found among mortals;No one knows its true value.
14. The depths of the oceans and seasSay that wisdom is not found there.
15. It cannot be bought with silver or gold.
16. The finest gold and jewelsCannot equal its value.
17. It is worth more than gold,Than a gold vase or finest glass.
18. The value of wisdom is moreThan coral or crystal or rubies.
19. The finest topaz and the purest goldCannot compare with the value of wisdom.