2 Esdras 7:56

56 but silver is more abundant than gold, and bronze than silver, and iron than bronze, and lead than iron, and clay than lead.’

2 Esdras 7:56 In-Context

54 And he said to me, “Not only that, but ask the earth and she will tell you; defer to her, and she will declare it to you.

55 Say to her, ‘You produce gold and silver and bronze, and also iron and lead and clay;

56 but silver is more abundant than gold, and bronze than silver, and iron than bronze, and lead than iron, and clay than lead.’

57 Judge therefore which things are precious and desirable, those that are abundant or those that are rare?”

58 I said, “O sovereign Lord, what is plentiful is of less worth, for what is more rare is more precious.”