28Job 28

In Praise of Wisdom

1There are mines where silver is dug; There are places where gold is refined.Select Job 28:1

2We dig iron out of the ground And melt copper out of the stones.Select Job 28:2

3Miners explore the deepest darkness. They search the depths of the earth And dig for rocks in the darkness.Select Job 28:3

4Far from where anyone lives Or human feet ever travel, They dig the shafts of mines. There they work in loneliness, Clinging to ropes in the pits.Select Job 28:4

5Food grows out of the earth, But underneath the same earth All is torn up and crushed.Select Job 28:5

6The stones of the earth contain sapphires, And its dust contains gold.Select Job 28:6

7No hawk sees the roads to the mines, And no vulture ever flies over them.Select Job 28:7

8No lion or other fierce beast Ever travels those lonely roads.Select Job 28:8

9Miners dig the hardest rocks, Dig mountains away at their base.Select Job 28:9

10As they tunnel through the rocks, They discover precious stones.Select Job 28:10

11They dig to the sources of rivers And bring to light what is hidden.Select Job 28:11

12But where can wisdom be found? Where can we learn to understand?Select Job 28:12

13Wisdom is not to be found among mortals; No one knows its true value.Select Job 28:13

14The depths of the oceans and seas Say that wisdom is not found there.Select Job 28:14

15It cannot be bought with silver or gold.Select Job 28:15

16The finest gold and jewels Cannot equal its value.Select Job 28:16

17It is worth more than gold, Than a gold vase or finest glass.Select Job 28:17

18The value of wisdom is more Than coral or crystal or rubies.Select Job 28:18

19The finest topaz and the purest gold Cannot compare with the value of wisdom.Select Job 28:19

20Where, then, is the source of wisdom? Where can we learn to understand?Select Job 28:20

21No living creature can see it, Not even a bird in flight.Select Job 28:21

22Even death and destruction Admit they have heard only rumors.Select Job 28:22

23God alone knows the way, Knows the place where wisdom is found,Select Job 28:23

24Because he sees the ends of the earth, Sees everything under the sky.Select Job 28:24

25When God gave the wind its power And determined the size of the sea;Select Job 28:25

26When God decided where the rain would fall, And the path that the thunderclouds travel;Select Job 28:26

27It was then he saw wisdom and tested its worth— He gave it his approval.Select Job 28:27

28God said to us humans, “To be wise, you must have reverence for the Lord. To understand, you must turn from evil.”Select Job 28:28