12 But where is wisdom found, and which is the place of understanding?

13 Man knoweth not the price there-of, neither it is found in the land of men living delicately.

14 The depth of waters saith, It is not in me; and the sea speaketh, It is not with me.

15 Gold full clean shall not be given for wisdom, neither silver shall be weighed in the exchanging thereof.

16 It shall not be comparisoned to the dyed colours of India, nor to the most precious stone sardius, neither to the sapphire.

17 Neither gold, neither glass shall be made even worth thereto; and high and far appearing vessels of gold shall not be exchanged for wisdom,

18 neither they shall be had in mind in comparison thereof. Forsooth wisdom is drawn out of privy things;

19 topaz of Ethiopia shall not be made even worth to wisdom, and most precious dyeings shall not be set together in price, or comparisoned, thereto.

20 Therefore whereof cometh wisdom, and which is the place of understanding?

21 It is hid from the eyes of all living men; and also it is hid from the birds of heaven, or of the air.

22 Perdition and death said, With our ears we have heard the fame of wisdom.