Day 27 – Chapter 28

“Surely there is a mine for silver and a place where they refine gold. But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding’” (28:1, 12, 28).

Wisdom is the one thing we all should seek, but it is very elusive. It is the one thing that has been lacking in the comments Job has endured from his so-called ‘friends.’ It is also the one thing every one needs. Clearly Job needs it to understand his situation, and yet it is not forthcoming. In its place, then, Job is exposed to the supposed wisdom of those who have none, and all it does is contribute to his misery. It is also a precious commodity, more precious than the treasures of the earth. We know where to find gold and silver, as well as precious jewels. Wisdom, as a commodity, is an entirely different thing.

Solomon asked for “an understanding heart to judge [God’s] people to discern between good and evil” (1 Kings 3:9). He could have asked for anything, long life, riches, total defeat of his enemies, but because he asked for “discernment to understand justice,” God gave him a wise and discerning heart. Why did Solomon ask for wisdom? He asked for it because he understood the value of it, in stark contrast to Job’s statement when he declared that “man does know its value” (Job 28:13).

It is apparent that many have not changed much in their own understanding and discernment today. It seems that people still do not know the value of wisdom. They understand and laud the acquisition of knowledge, but knowledge is little more than the accumulation of facts if it is not accompanied by wisdom. What was lacking in Job’s day among his ‘friends,’ is still lacking today among many. Education is good, advisable, and everyone should endeavor to be lifelong learners. There are many who are filled with facts. We love to have them on our teams when we play trivia games, but they do not always have common sense, let alone wisdom. The writer of Proverbs advises, “The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). Someone once said, “Learn all you can, and can all you learn.” But don’t stop there, go to God and get understanding.

Lord, we are filled with so many facts, but it is often little more than useless information. We know many things but are guilty of not knowing You. You know everything. There is nothing hidden from Your view. You know why we are suffering and in trouble. You know the habits of our hearts, the secret things unknown to anyone else. You know the end of the matter before the beginning. You know our needs and just how and when to provide for them. Help us today to submit all of our acquired knowledge of facts and figures to You and to trust You to lead us in the way of wisdom, insight and understanding. Help us to trust in You with all our heart, and lean not to our own understanding so that you can make our paths straight. We ask it in the strong name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.