As I read through Job 28, I began to have a better understanding of the scripture in Proverbs 9:10 NIV:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the holy one is understanding.
In Job 28, Job talks about how wisdom cannot be found by humanity.
No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living.
Job 28:13 NLT.
It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it.
Job 28:21 NLT
Job poses the question in verse 12 & 20.
But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding?
Job 28:12 NLT.
In today’s context, wisdom and understanding can be found through different forms of education and experience. It is closely linked to the acquiring of knowledge.
Wisdom is defined as “the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.”
I’d like to think of it as the action/application of the knowledge we receive.
To answer Job’s question in verse 12 & 20, I believe we find wisdom and understanding through the experiences we have and through the reflection and application of learned experiences of others. This can be seen through the means of books, podcasts, movies, television, conversations with others, lived experiences etc.
In the rest of the chapter, Job describes how precious and valuable wisdom is compared to all things and how it cannot be bought. I’d like to think it’s the difference between learning how to make money and being given money. Having the knowledge and understanding of how to make money has more value than the money you are given because you are able to generate it as needed versus waiting for the next time someone gives you money.
Job makes an interesting statement when he says,
God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found.
Job 28:23 NLT
Job is suggesting that our ways to wisdom and understanding are not the way. Considering how much knowledge and wisdom he possesses, this is a bold statement.
He concludes with this:
And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’
Job 28:28 NLT
In today’s world, we may be able to make a case for the possessing of wisdom and understanding when we look at the lives of people who may have an above average grasp of knowledge and its applicable value as well as a keen sense of execution of what they understand. However, Job is not talking about just any old wisdom but rather he is making a claim for true wisdom.
Job is suggesting that the fear of the Lord is true wisdom. I interpret this statement as a statement of submission. The fear of the Lord is an acknowledgment that He is God and we are humans. Its foundation is built on relationship and its understanding is in who He is. Scripture even tells us:
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT.
I’d like to believe that the wisest thing we can do is submit to the God who created all things and knows all things. When we submit to God and choose to acknowledge Him and His ways, we begin to enter into a place of true wisdom. Not based on our own experiences, ideas, others’ profound thoughts, or what we learned from the journey of life. Instead it is based on the one who created life itself and the one whose knowledge and understanding surpasses generations.
With the understanding of who God is and having the fear of the Lord, we can see how evil can be a deterrent to having real understanding because it interferes with the relationship you have with the father in heaven, causing one to lose closeness and intimacy which blocks our understanding. Therefore, the forsaking of evil is real understanding because it brings us closer to God, which allows us to be in a more intimate relationship with Him and makes it more likely for submission to take place.
In this season of increasing our faith, turning our “Fear to Faith” requires us to fear the Lord and submit our fears to Him, so that He may stir within us a faith that goes beyond ourselves and moves us towards Him. As Jerry mentioned on Sunday, if we are going to fear, let us fear the Lord.
Father, I thank you for who you are. You are wise and knowledgeable beyond any being on this earth and in the universe. As we continue to increase our faith, may we turn our fear to faith by submitting to you and trusting in your infinite grace and wisdom. Help us to begin each day with the fear of the Lord and receive your true wisdom for our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!