She is worth more than rubies. Nothing you want can compare with her.Long life is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor.Her ways are pleasant ways. All her paths lead to peace.She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Those who hold her close will be blessed.
No human being understands how much it’s worth. It can’t be found anywhere in the world.The ocean says,“ It’s not in me.” The sea says,“ It’s not here either.”It can’t be bought with the finest gold. Its price can’t be weighed out in silver.It can’t be bought with gold from Ophir. It can’t be bought with priceless onyx or lapis lazuli.Gold or crystal can’t compare with it. It can’t be bought with jewels made of gold.Don’t bother to talk about coral and jasper. Wisdom is worth far more than rubies.A topaz from Cush can’t compare with it. It can’t be bought with the purest gold.So where does wisdom come from? Where does understanding live?It’s hidden from the eyes of every living thing. Even the birds in the sky can’t find it.Death and the Grave say,“ Only reports about it have reached our ears.”But God understands the way to it. He is the only one who knows where it lives.He sees from one end of the earth to the other. He views everything in the world.He made the mighty wind. He measured out the waters.He gave orders for the rain to fall. He made paths for the thunderstorms.Then he looked at wisdom and set its price. He established it and tested it.He said to human beings,“ Have respect for the Lord. That will prove you are wise. Avoid evil. That will show you have understanding.”
