Job 28:12-28

Good News Translation

^13 (B)Wisdom is not to be found among mortals;
No one knows its true value.
¹⁴ The depths of the oceans and seas
Say that wisdom is not found there.
¹⁵ It cannot be bought with silver or gold.
¹⁶ The finest gold and jewels
Cannot equal its value.
¹⁷ It is worth more than gold,
Than a gold vase or finest glass.
¹⁸ The value of wisdom is more
Than coral or crystal or rubies.
¹⁹ The finest topaz and the purest gold
Cannot 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 destruction
Admit they have heard only rumors.

^23 (C)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 power
And determined the size of the sea;
²⁶ When God decided where the rain would fall,
And the path that the thunderclouds travel;
^27 (D)It was then he saw wisdom and tested its worth—
He gave it his approval.

^28 (E)God said to us humans,
“To be wise, you must have reverence for the Lord.
To understand, you must turn from evil.”