12 But where can wisdom  * be found,

and where is understanding located?

13 No one can know its value,  *

since it cannot be found in the land of the living.

14 The ocean depths say, "It’s not in me,"

while the sea declares, "I don’t have it."  *

15 Gold cannot be exchanged for it,

and silver cannot be weighed out for its price.

16 Wisdom cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir,  *

in precious onyx or lapis lazuli.  *

17 Gold and glass do not compare with it,

and articles of fine gold cannot be exchanged for it.  *

18 Coral and quartz are not worth mentioning.

The price of wisdom is beyond pearls.

19 Topaz from Cush cannot compare with it,

and it cannot be valued in pure gold.

20 Where then does wisdom come from,

and where is understanding located?

21 It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing

and concealed from the birds of the sky.

22 Abaddon and Death  * say,

"We have heard news of it with our ears."