Wisdom Found • Job 28:12-28
By Beth S. Bowman
The first questions in this passage are, “Where is wisdom found? Where is understanding located” (Job 28:12 ESV)? If you were to ask a grade schooler where wisdom is found, he/she would probably associate wisdom and understanding with parents, superheroes, and teachers.
Students in middle school and high school would likely associate wisdom with pro athletes, popular musicians, and social media influencers. Many college students and young adults would cite education and books as to where they find wisdom and understanding.
Other young adults would state that wisdom and understanding come from older adults who have experiences from which they can learn. They see mentors, grandparents, and parents as sources of wisdom and knowledge. These mentors have been through experiences that have enabled them to apply and teach the lessons learned.
To recognize the value of wisdom, mistakes have to be made. The lack of wisdom, not knowing what to do, and being unprepared all pave the way for a deep desire to apply understanding to further situations. The value of wisdom cannot be understated. Job recognizes this and realizes that even gold, silver, onyx, coral, quartz, pearls, and topaz do not compare to this one thing: wisdom.
As I write this, I am traveling with three amazing college students who have all sought wisdom in their lives. Their decisions concerning where to go to college, in what subjects to major, who to marry, where to work, and even buying a motorcycle on Facebook Marketplace all have created a deep desire to know wisdom and apply it generously to decision making.
These soon-to-be adults realize that wisdom is available, but they have placed obstacles between them and this precious prize. They readily offer that their pride, shame, and status-seeking have kept them from searching out and accepting wisdom. The consequences of “being dumb” — their words, not mine — have placed them in less than desirable financial and emotional ruts.
Another experience is a tendency to overthink decisions that are minute and unimportant. Instead of accepting truth, making an appropriate decision, and moving on, they cite a tendency to ignore wisdom and keep turning the decision over and over and over.
There is nowhere more prominent to apply daily wisdom for these young adults — and for all of us — than social media. Most of us who post on social media use the outlet for encouragement and fun, but we are all one tweet, one update, or one post away from tainting our reputation by a quick-written and not well thought through reply.
We react when we should stop and think. We post when we screenshot and gossip. Instead of applying patience through wisdom, we react. Proverbs 18:17 states, “In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right until someone comes forward and cross examines.” Having wisdom demands that we develop patience and discernment. Not having wisdom can undermine our reputations and destroy future opportunities.
Job recognizes that only God possesses true wisdom. Israel’s King Solomon also recognized this; his one request was for wisdom. Solomon knew God was the source. Second Chronicles 1:10 (NIV) states, “…now grant me wisdom and knowledge so I can lead these great people, for who can judge these great people of yours?”
Because Solomon did not ask for riches, wealth, power, or influence, God granted him all of those things in addition to wisdom.
The book of James tells us how to gain wisdom: “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5 NIV). James reminds us that God is the source of wisdom and that He wants to give it freely.
Job’s friends did not really recognize God as the source of wisdom. The verses in this lesson, spoken by Job, are directed toward his friends. Job knew that friends’ advice would fail, and self-empowerment was not the answer. He knew that only in Creator God would he find wisdom and understanding.
Job certainly needed a boatload of both as he walked through each day.
Bowman, a member of West Carthage Church, is a speaker/writer. She may be contacted at beth@bethbowman.net.
