17 Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold.
17 Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.
17 Neither gold nor emeralds are comparable; extravagant jewelry can't touch it.
17 Neither gold nor crystal can equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold.
17 Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 28:17
Commentary on Job 28:12-19
(Read Job 28:12-19)
Job here speaks of wisdom and understanding, the knowing and enjoying of God and ourselves. Its worth is infinitely more than all the riches in this world. It is a gift of the Holy Ghost which cannot be bought with money. Let that which is most precious in God's account, be so in ours. Job asks after it as one that truly desired to find it, and despaired of finding it any where but in God; any way but by Divine revelation.