PURSUIT OF WISDOM AND JOB 28 - This morning I came to Job 28 in my devotional reading. This chapter is a fascinating chapter on wisdom and provides a critique on modernity’s search for knowledge. I say knowledge, because I am not so sure wisdom is a concept that is truly appreciated in our society.

               This comes out in the words of Job as well. With colorful language Job artfully describes the miner who searches the farthest recesses for ore in the blackest darkness (v3). This is a place where no animals dare to go, yet man in his quest for riches spares no effort. “He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light.” (v11). The insatiable quest for riches will lead a man anywhere.

               “Yet,” Job asks, “where can wisdom be found?” After this painting of a determined man in search for treasure, Job wonders, is our quest for wisdom as passionate. Sadly, wisdom is not something that we truly comprehend. It is unquantifiable and intangible. We cannot, it seems, use our five sense to wrap delve its secrets, to apply our scientific methodology to it.

               Wisdom cannot be found through the hard work of mining. It cannot be found by panning the rivers. It cannot be bought with gold, onyx, sapphires, or crystals, coral, jasper, or topaz for it is far more valuable than any of these. It is hidden from the eyes of the living.

               God alone understands the way to it, and so, in the face of modernity one can only find wisdom through the fear of the Lord – that is wisdom. In shunning evil we have understanding. Young man and woman, spend less time in your quest for riches and more time searching for wisdom. Wisdom is true riches. A person full of wisdom is worth more than all the treasures on earth.