The ropes of their tent are pulled up, and they die before gaining wisdom.’

He could tell you the secret of wisdom. He would tell you that every story has two sides. You can be sure of this: God is not punishing you as much as he should.

“I’m sure you think you are the only wise people left. You think that when you die, wisdom will be gone with you.

Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you. Or let the fish in the sea tell you their wisdom.

People say, ‘Wisdom is to be found in those who are old. Long life brings understanding.’

But wisdom and power belong to God. Good advice and understanding are his.

He strips advisors of their wisdom and makes leaders act like fools.

He makes trusted advisors be silent. He takes away the wisdom of the older leaders.

With his own power God calmed the sea. With his wisdom he destroyed Rahab.

The Value of Wisdom

“There are mines where people get silver and places where people melt gold to make it pure.

“But where can anyone find wisdom? Where can we get understanding?

People don’t know where wisdom is. It cannot be found by anyone on earth.

You cannot buy wisdom with even the purest gold. There’s not enough silver in the world to pay for it.

Wisdom is worth more than gold or crystal. It cannot be bought with expensive jewels set in gold.

“So where does wisdom come from? Where can we find understanding?

Wisdom is hidden from every living thing on earth. Even birds in the sky cannot see it.

Death and destruction say, ‘We have never seen wisdom; we have only heard rumors about it.’

“Only God knows the way to wisdom. Only he knows where wisdom is.

He looked at wisdom and discussed it. He examined it and saw how much it is worth.

Then he said to humans, ‘To fear and respect the Lord is wisdom. To turn away from evil is understanding.’”

You men cannot say that you have found wisdom. The answer to Job’s arguments must come from God, not people.

But if you have nothing to say, then listen to me. Be quiet, and I will teach you wisdom.”

“Who makes people wise? Who puts wisdom deep inside them?

That’s because I did not give wisdom to the ostrich. She is foolish, and I made her that way.