Job continues speaking and covers the topic of wisdom – detailing how mankind cannot find wisdom, no matter where they look in this world, it is only available through God.
” ‘But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? It cannot be bought for gold, and silver cannot be weighed as its price. From where, then, does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? God understands the way to it, and he knows its place. For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When he gave to the wind its weight and apportioned the waters by measure, then he saw it and declared it; he established it, and searched it out. And he said to man, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” ‘ ” (v12,15,20,23-25,27-28)
There are so many passages (and books) on wisdom that we could not possibly cover them all. Suffice it to say that scripture agrees with Job – all true wisdom come from God. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;” (Pro 2:6) “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (Jas 3:17)
I realize it could be argued there are more than one type of wisdom – Godly wisdom, earthly wisdom, and Satanic wisdom – and it requires discernment to tell the difference. Job is basically saying there is only one type of wisdom that is worthy of pursuit, that is more precious than any gem or commodity – the spiritual, Godly wisdom that comes from above. Job doesn’t even bother mentioning any other types of wisdom, he speaks as if there’s only one kind.
Regardless of how many types of wisdom we think there are, scripture is clear how we receive the wisdom that is worth pursuing – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psa 111:10) “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (Jas 1:5)
To obtain the valuable, true wisdom of which Job speaks, we must be seeking God and His guidance (this can be done directly, or by speaking with devoted Christ followers who receive their wisdom from God). To seek wisdom anywhere else is foolishness. I encourage us to continue drawing our wisdom and guidance from the one (and only) true source, He who spoke creation into existence in His infinite wisdom.
Father God, Almighty, All-Knowing, Ever-Present King, we worship and adore You. You are infinite in grace, mercy, and wisdom, which is why we come before You today. Father we have been foolish and have tried to do things in our own wisdom (we have sinned against You). Please forgive us, and please impart Your true wisdom and guidance upon us. May we learn to seek You at all times, in every circumstance. May we learn to inquire of You for every moral or life-direction decision we make. May we trust in Your guidance alone. We praise You in the name of Jesus, whom You wisely sent to destroy the corruption which we foolishly brought upon this earth. All honor, glory, and praise be to You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training