¹⁶ How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    to get insight^(A) rather than silver!^(B)

¹⁸ With me are riches and honor,^(A)
    enduring wealth and prosperity.^(B)
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;^(C)
    what I yield surpasses choice silver.^(D)

¹² But where can wisdom be found?^(A)
    Where does understanding dwell?^(B)
13 No mortal comprehends its worth;^(C)
    it cannot be found in the land of the living.^(D)
14 The deep^(E) says, “It is not in me”;
    the sea^(F) says, “It is not with me.”
¹⁵ It cannot be bought with the finest gold,
    nor can its price be weighed out in silver.^(G)
16 It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir,^(H)
    with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.^(I)
17 Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it,^(J)
    nor can it be had for jewels of gold.^(K)
18 Coral^(L) and jasper^(M) are not worthy of mention;
    the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.^(N)
19 The topaz^(O) of Cush^(P) cannot compare with it;
    it cannot be bought with pure gold.^(Q)

²⁰ Where then does wisdom come from?
    Where does understanding dwell?^(R)

²¹ to those who long for death that does not come,^(A)
    who search for it more than for hidden treasure,^(B)