12 And the wisdom -- whence is it found? And where [is] this, the place of understanding?13 Man hath not known its arrangement, Nor is it found in the land of the living.14 The deep hath said, It [is] not in me, And the sea hath said, It is not with me.15 Gold is not given for it, Nor is silver weighed -- its price.16 It is not valued with pure gold of Ophir, With precious onyx and sapphire,17 Not equal it do gold and crystal, Nor [is] its exchange a vessel of fine gold.18 Corals and pearl are not remembered, The acquisition of wisdom [is] above rubies.19 Not equal it doth the topaz of Cush, With pure gold it is not valued.20 And the wisdom -- whence doth it come? And where [is] this, the place of understanding?21 It hath been hid from the eyes of all living. And from the fowl of the heavens It hath been hidden.22 Destruction and death have said: With our ears we have heard its fame.