5. The earth, from which food comes,is overturned below as though by fire;
6. a place whose stones are sapphiresand which contains dust of gold;
7. a hidden path no bird of prey knows – no falcon’s eye has spotted it.
8. Proud beasts have not set foot on it,and no lion has passed along it.
9. On the flinty rock man has set to work with his hand;he has overturned mountains at their bases.
10. He has cut out channels through the rocks;his eyes have spotted every precious thing.
11. He has searched the sources of the riversand what was hidden he has brought into the light.
12. “But wisdom – where can it be found?Where is the place of understanding?
13. Mankind does not know its place;it cannot be found in the land of the living.
14. The deep says, ‘It is not with me.’And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’
15. Fine gold cannot be given in exchange for it,nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
16. It cannot be measured out for purchase with the gold of Ophir,with precious onyx or sapphires.
17. Neither gold nor crystal can be compared with it,nor can a vase of gold match its worth.
18. Of coral and jasper no mention will be made;the price of wisdom is more than pearls.
19. The topaz of Cush cannot be compared with it;it cannot be purchased with pure gold.
20. “But wisdom – where does it come from?Where is the place of understanding?
21. For it has been hidden from the eyes of every living creature,and from the birds of the sky it has been concealed.
22. Destruction and Death say,‘With our ears we have heard a rumor about where it can be found.’