10 He hews out channels in the rocks, and his eyes spot every treasure. 11 He stops up the sources of the streams to bring what is hidden to light. 12 But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? 13 No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. 14 The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ 15 It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. 16 It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. 17 Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. 18 Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. 19 Topaz from Cush cannot compare to it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. 20 From where then does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell? 21 It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air.
Job 28:10–21
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 20:29–31
29 Favors and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and as a muzzle on the mouth, turn away reproofs. (WEB) 30 Wisdom that is hidden, and treasure that is out of sight— what profit is in either of them? (WEB) 31 Better is a man who hides his folly than a man who hides his wisdom. (WEB)
Proverbs 8:10–12
10 Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. 11 For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. 12 I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
Ecclesiastes 7:23–25
23 All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me. 24 What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it? 25 I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity…
Baruch 3:14–16
14 Learn where there is wisdom, where there is strength, and where there is understanding, that you may also know where there is length of days and life, where there is the light of the eyes and peace. (WEB) 15 Who has found out her place? Who has come into her treasuries? (WEB)
Job 22:23–25
23 If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored. If you remove injustice from your tents 24 and consign your gold to the dust and the gold of Ophir to the stones of the ravines, 25 then the Almighty will be your gold and the finest silver for you.
Job 36:18–20
18 Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large bribe lead you astray. 19 Can your wealth or all your mighty effort keep you from distress? 20 Do not long for the night, when people vanish from their homes.
Job 28:1–2
1 “Surely there is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined. 2 Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore.
Proverbs 20:14–16
14 “Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats. 15 There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. 16 Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
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