Job 28

12 But where can wisdom be found?*28:12. The purpose of the long illustration above is to set the scene: while human beings can do amazing things, they can’t "mine" wisdom! Where is the place to gain understanding? 13 Human beings do not know the way to wisdom; it is not found among the living. 14 The deep waters say, ‘It’s not here,’ and the sea says, ‘It’s not here either.’ 15 It cannot be bought with gold; nor can it be purchased with silver. 16 Its value cannot be measured, even with the gold of Ophir;*28:16. The most valuable form of gold then known. it is more precious than onyx or lapis lazuli. 17 Gold or fine glass*28:17. Glass was rare and very valuable at the time. cannot compare with wisdom; it cannot be exchanged for gold jewelry. 18 Coral and crystal are not worth mentioning; the price of wisdom is far above rubies.*28:18. The actual gemstone identified here is not known, but is thought to be red in color. 19 Topaz from Ethiopia can’t compare with it; it cannot be bought with the purest gold.

20 So where does wisdom come from? Where is the place to gain understanding? 21 Wisdom is hidden from the sight of all living things, even the birds of the air cannot see it. 22 Abaddon*28:22. Or "destruction." and Death say, ‘We’ve only heard a rumor of it.’