Wisdom Gained

Job 28:12-28

In verses 1-11 we can see a segway into our lesson for today. The first eleven verses tells us how and where to find the valuable resources of the earth. However, beginning in verse 12 and repeated in verse 20, we are presented with a quandary about the where to find wisdom and understanding and both of these are contrasted with the riches that can be found on earth.

The word philosopher means “lover of wisdom”.

Great philosophers, like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and others had a lot to say on the subject of wisdom. For example, Plato writes about Socrates and his friend Chaerephon after they had visited the Oracle of Delphi. The Oracle stated that Socrates was the wisest person. Socrates seems to take issue with this and goes on a quest to disprove the oracle (https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/wisdom/).

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy presents several different thoughts on wisdom. Wisdom, is approached as epistemic humility. You are wise if you claim that you are not wise. The problem with this approach is that it runs the risk of slipping into pseudo humility. Another approach is epistemic accuracy. According to this approach, “a wise person is accurate about what s/he knows and what s/he does not know.” Third, wisdom is viewed as knowledge. It’s my conviction that most of humanity falls into this camp on the subject of wisdom. We tend to deem a person wise or unwise based on two qualifications, age and knowledge.

However, when we look into the pages of God’s word we find a better and truly more accurate quality of wisdom.

Job 28:12-22

“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

Why does the Bible state that the wisdom of God is more valuable than earthly treasures and human ingenuity?

If indeed the wisdom of God is of such great value why then do we seek fame, notoriety, wealth, etc above wisdom?

Read Matthew 6:19-21.

Considering what we just read in Job, how do these verses from Matthew 6:19-21 help you to better understand what your pursuit in this life should be?

How can you tell if someone truly values wisdom more than anything else?

Now, we must remember, that the Bible actually talks about two types of wisdom. The apostle James asks this question, “who is wise and understanding among you?” (James 3:13). He tells us in the proceeding verses how to distinguish between “worldly wisdom” and godly wisdom” (James 3:14ff).

Job 28:23-28

God understands its way, And He knows its place.

In the book of Proverbs 4:5-7 we are told that wisdom is to be our primary ambition and we are instructed to get it.

Jesus is wisdom (1 Cor. 1:23-25, 30; Prov. 8:22-36).

And to man He said,‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”

In this chapter Job asks the question, ““But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?”

Job realizes that only God knows the answers to these questions and this leads to the concluding realization that wisdom is found in the fear of the Lord and departing from evil is how one gains understanding.

Deuteronomy 4:5–6 NKJV

“Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

Psalm 111:10 NKJV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Proverbs 1:7 NKJV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10 NKJV

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 NKJV

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.