“…where can wisdom be found?” Job 28:12a

In chapter twenty-eight, Job presented the second proof of God’s might, found in His wisdom. It is God’s wisdom that becomes one’s own wisdom, when acquired through faith. Job, then, begins his unveiling of God’s superlative wisdom by showing how futile it is for man to apply human methods in the pursuit of
Heavenly wisdom (vv. 12 – 19). Man’s relentless pursuit for the earth’s valuable ore and stones (vv. 1 – 11) requires the commitment of one’s complete focus and resources to succeed, even risking his very life (v.4c).

Mining is an ancient process. Since the discovery of ore and the development of smelting (v.2), mankind has long sought the glimmer of precious metals and the strength of iron (vv. 1 – 2). The description Job gave for mining is still consistent with today’s methods:

• Most mining sites are far from civilization (v.4b), and though relatively safe from the dangers of wild animal, it does have its inherent risks (vv. 7 – 8).

• A shaft is dug into the earth (vv. 4a, 10).

• Mining is a destructive process – it follows the vein of precious metal (vv. 9 – 10).

• Repelling down from cliffs and downward shafts is an ancient practice (v.4c; though we now have elevators);
  and, in Job’s day, was a dangerous activity.

• Perhaps the first idea of destructive mining came from the discovery of glimmering gold ‘dust’ found in the streams and river beds (v.11) and, through logical pursuits, testing possible origins of the precious metal by following the stream to its mouth; and from there into the earth.

Keeping all the above in mind, the initial activity of mining is discovery. It’s a search done in unfamiliar and mysterious places; and even in the farthest recesses of the earth, at least as far as man’s ability can take him
(v.3b&c). The prized rock is hidden in the darkest of places. Man, however, thanks to the discovery of fire, put an end to the darkness of earthen shafts and caves (v.3a).

Having given such a splendid description of mining’s dynamics, Job presented those listening-in a leading question:

“But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?” (v.12)

In Job’s day, wisdom was often the topic of discussion, as well as discussing the origins of things. Job’s visitors scolded him for his loud cries and demand for recourse with The Almighty, using their ‘wisdom’ to accuse him of some hidden sin. These men certainly had knowledge… which lacked the wisdom that should
have come with it. Certainly, wisdom would have dictated their actions to offer comfort and meet Job at his point of need.

Job’s diatribe reveals the following truths about wisdom:

First, it cannot be mined, bought or sold… not even with pure gold (vv. 15 – 19).

Second, secular man cannot comprehend the value of God’s wisdom, for it cannot be found in nature (“the land of the living”; vv. 13 – 14). In this chapter, Job identifies three valuable metals (gold is mentioned five times!) and seven different precious stones. Yet, none of them, individually or collectively, are able to procure God’s wisdom. (read Proverbs 3:15).

In his discourse, Job interrupted the lesson for a brief moment to hold his audience’s attention with two more leading questions:

“Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?” (v.20)

Then Job masterfully continued the lesson filled with references to the earlier discussion on mining:

Third, like precious metals and ore, God’s wisdom is “…hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air.” (vv. 3 – 7; 21). If you should search for wisdom from the highest of heights – even higher than the birds of the air, to the depths of death or hell, the effort will be unsuccessful in locating God’s wisdom (vv. 21 – 22).

Fourth, only God can provide the map to wisdom’s treasure, for He is The One and Only Who is omniscient (v. 23), omnipresent (v.24), and omnipotent (vv. 25 – 26). It was by His power everything was established through the counsel of His wisdom. Like everything else at creation, God looked upon the wisdom of His creativity and
proclaimed it good (v.27).

Fifth, through His servant Moses, God declared the essence of His wisdom: “The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom (read Exodus 20:20) – and to shun evil is understanding.” (v.28)

Warren Wiersby provides insight into this passage:

“Job describes how men work hard and face great danger to find material wealth. They tunnel through hard rock and risk their lives to get rich. Why will men and women not put that much effort into gaining God’s wisdom? The Word of God is like a deep mine filled with precious treasures; but the Believer must put forth effort to discover its riches. It takes careful reading and study, prayer, meditation, and obedience to mine the treasures of God’s Word; and The Holy Spirit … is willing to assist us. Why are we so negligent when this great wealth lies so near at hand?” (from The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, OT, p.852, pp. 5; © 2007 by David C. Cook Publishing)

So, just what is ‘the fear of The Lord’? It is the awe and reverence of God, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that comes from one’s soul being enlivened by The Holy Spirit. It is not a paralyzing fear, but an empowering one. The fear of The Lord guides one toward obedience, service, prayer, and a life of true piety and devotion to God’s Kingdom and righteousness. Wiersby described the fear of The Lord as, “the fear that conquers fear” (read Psalm 112; Matthew 10:26-31). Rev. Wiersby added, “Personal pride is the greatest barrier to spiritual wisdom.” (Ibid, p.853)

God’s wisdom accesses available knowledge and uses it in God’s good ways to mirror His goodness and righteousness in making the world a better place, and thereby bringing Heaven to earth (Thy Kingdom
come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Matthew 6:10). God’s wisdom is both spiritual and applicable in everyday life. Just as man, made in God’s image, brought light to the deepest recesses of the earth, so God brought His light to darkened humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ (read John 1:1-3).

If you do not have a personal relationship with God through The Son, Jesus Christ, talk to Him. Ask Him to reveal any hindrances to beginning a relationship and turn from any inhibiting sin; then ask Him to enter your soul and take control of your life. Where can wisdom be found? Ask God for His wisdom. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to Him.” (James 1:5)

God will bestow His wisdom. When He does, be His light in a world darkened by selfishness and sin. Let your light shine!

Have a blessed day…