Where is Wisdom Found
January 5, 2023
Commentary
“Where is wisdom found?” is Job’s key question (vv. 12, 20). To answer his own question he states that it can not be found among the living (vv. 13-14). Job asked this question because he was weary of the cliches and platitudes that his three friends were giving to him in the name of “wisdom.” His friends were sure that their words were like precious metals and jewels, but they were worthless (vv. 15-19). Job mentions gold five times, silver once, and names seven different precious stones; yet none of these treasures individually, nor all of them collectively, can purchase the wisdom of God. These three men had knowledge, but they lacked wisdom.
It is natural for people who do not understand the importance of God’s Word to seek wisdom here on earth. They look to philosophers and other leaders to give them direction for living . Yet Job said wisdom is not found there. No leader or group of leaders can produce enough knowledge or insight to explain the totality of human experience. The ultimate interpretation of who we are and where we are going must come from the Lord (vv. 20-24). How amazing that the writer of the book of Job knew that it was the “lightening of the thunder.” The sound waves do not travel as fast as light waves. We are to dig into the Word of God if we are to have the wisdom of God (Prov. 8:10-11). The fear of the Lord is a key theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible (Job through Song of Solomon). True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (v. 28); (Prov. 1:7, 9,10). It means to have respect and reverence for God, and to be in awe of His majesty and power. When we reverence Him and seek to please Him, He teaches us His wisdom (James 1:5).
Application
Job’s problem was that he was wrapped up in himself. When you’re wrapped up in yourself, it makes a small package. In order to have true wisdom I must reverence the Lord and seek to please Him.
Job 28:12– 28 (NET)
12 “But wisdom—where can it be found? Where is the place of understanding?
13 Mankind does not know its place; it cannot be found in the land of the living.
14 The deep says, ‘It is not with me.’ And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’
15 Fine gold cannot be given in exchange for it, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
16 It cannot be measured out for purchase with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or sapphires.
17 Neither gold nor crystal can be compared with it, nor can a vase of gold match its worth.
18 Of coral and jasper no mention will be made; the price of wisdom is more than pearls.
19 The topaz of Cush cannot be compared with it; it cannot be purchased with pure gold.
20 “But wisdom—where does it come from? Where is the place of understanding?
21 For it has been hidden from the eyes of every living creature, and from the birds of the sky it has been concealed.
22 Destruction and Death say, ‘With our ears we have heard a rumor about where it can be found.’
23 God understands the way to it, and he alone knows its place.
24 For he looks to the ends of the earth and observes everything under the heavens.
25 When he made the force of the wind and measured the waters with a gauge,
26 when he imposed a limit for the rain, and a path for the thunderstorm,
27 then he looked at wisdom and assessed its value; he established it and examined it closely.
28 And he said to mankind, ‘The fear of the Lord —that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
Illustration: Jehovah Witnesses Knocked on Our Door
While writing these thoughts from Job this morning I answered the doorbell and saw two Jehovah’s Witness ladies and two children. After they identified themselves I told them I admired their zeal, but I wouldn’t trade the wisdom that I have in the Lord for what they have to offer. One of the women said, “We believe in Jesus.” I told them that may be true, but He is not the same Jesus that I know. My Jesus is not “a god” but He is “the God” of the Trinity who lives and abides in my life. This is the fourth time in the last few months that the JW’s have knocked on our door. It would be so wonderful if they were sharing the truth of God’s Word instead of their false doctrine. Satan is in the counterfeit business. (Lou Nicholes – Author/Missionary).