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.
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.