12 "But where, oh where, will they find Wisdom? Where does Insight hide? 13 Mortals don't have a clue, haven't the slightest idea where to look.
14 Earth's depths say, 'It's not here'; ocean deeps echo, 'Never heard of it.' 15 It can't be bought with the finest gold; no amount of silver can get it. 16 Even famous Ophir gold can't buy it, not even diamonds and sapphires. 17 Neither gold nor emeralds are comparable; extravagant jewelry can't touch it. 18 Pearl necklaces and ruby bracelets - why bother? None of this is even a down payment on Wisdom! 19 Pile gold and African diamonds as high as you will, they can't hold a candle to Wisdom.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 28:12-19
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.