Whence then comes wisdom?: this line repeats the refrain in verse 12 with the exception that comes replaces “shall be found.” The answer to the question is in two parts: verses 21 and 22, which continue the theme that wisdom is hidden; and verses 23-27, which claim that God alone has the answer.

And where is the place of understanding?: see verse 12b for comments.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .