Thomson(i)
1 There is indeed a place, from which silver is got; and a place from which gold is strained.
2 Iron indeed is made out of the earth, and brass is hewn from a quarry like stones.
3 He hath assigned a station for darkness: but every boundary he assigned is diligently explored; stones, darkness and the shadow of death;
4 the channels of brooks choked up with sand: where to such as know not the right way; strength is unavailing and they are removed from among men.
5 As for the earth out of which bread cometh; from underneath it something like fire hath been turned up.
6 The stones thereof is the place of the sapphire. And the dust thereof supplieth man with gold.
7 A path is explored which no bird knew; and which the vulture's eye hath not seen;
8 which the race of boasters have not travelled; and over which the lion hath not stalked
9 One hath stretched forth his hand with a pick and hath overturned mountains from the roots.
10 Another hath broken through the whirlpools of rivers: and mine eye hath seen every precious thing.
11 Another hath laid bare the bottoms of rivers and given manifest proofs of his power.
12 But where is wisdom to be found? And where is the place of understanding?
13 A mortal knoweth not the way thereof; nor hath it indeed been found out by men.
14 The abyss said, It is not in me: and the sea said, It is not in me.
15 would not one give for it all he hath got?
16 But silver cannot be weighed as its price; nor can it be purchased with the gold of Sophir; with the precious onyx or the sapphire.
17 Gold and chrystal cannot equal it in value; nor can jewels of gold be a barter for it.
18 Things above need not be mentioned: but prize thou wisdom above all things below.
19 The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it in value: nor is it to be rated by pure gold.
20 But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?
21 It hath escaped the knowledge of every man; and is hid from the birds of the air.
22 Destruction and death said, We have heard the fame of it.
23 God is perfectly acquainted with its way and knoweth its place.
24 For he surveyeth the whole world; and knoweth all on the earth;
25 all that he hath made; the weight of winds and the measures of water.
26 When he had made and seen and numbered them; and also a way for the pealing thunder:
27 then did he see it and declare it: and having prepared and traced it,
28 he said to man, "Behold the worshipping of God is wisdom: and to abstain from evil is understanding."