Old Testament: Job 28 & 29
Poetry: Psalm 43
New Testament: Titus 1
We all consider certain things to be impossible for us, whether or not it is impossible for others. Some may consider painting a picture that looks nice impossible. Others may think that building a house is impossible. But, these things are not impossible for everyone. We know that there are people we could call to help with these things.
In Job 28:1-11, Job describes a task that may be considered impossible by some people: the search for gold and silver. Man searches endlessly for this gold and silver, where the birds have not seen it and the lions have not walked. It seems almost impossible for the man to ever find these treasures he seeks. Yet, the man keeps searching after it, not giving up. At the end of this section, we see that the man finds the hidden treasures and brings them forth into the light. This task wasn’t impossible. It wasn’t even the hardest task that man could seek to achieve.
In Job 28:12-28, we hear of an even more impossible task for man to try to accomplish: the search for wisdom. Verses 13-19 show just how impossible this task is. It is not found in the land of the living, the deep, or the sea. It is more valuable than gold, silver, onyx, topaz, or any other valuable treasures. Wisdom cannot be compared to any of these valuables.
If finding any of these treasures is almost impossible, as shown in verses 1-11, how hard must finding wisdom be with its value? Where can we find wisdom? Job 28:28 answers this question and says, “‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’” This seemingly impossible task is made possible by the fear of the Lord, with which wisdom is found.
In each of our searches for wisdom, we need to do two things. First, fear the Lord. In multiple places throughout the Bible, it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Second, we need to ask God for wisdom. In James 1:5-6, it says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”
-Kaitlyn Hamilton
Reflection Questions
- What do you find valuable? What value do you personally place on wisdom? Job says, “the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.” (Job 28:18b). What would you say the price of wisdom is beyond?
- Describe the relationship between God and wisdom? What might Job mean when he says, “God understands the way to it (wisdom) and he alone knows where it dwells…he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it.” (Job 28:20, 27)
- Where is wisdom NOT found? Where specifically do you search for wisdom?
Seek Grow Love 