S) "12 But where can wisdom be found?
And where is the place of understanding?
13 "Man does not know its value,
Nor is it found in the land of the living."
Job 28:12-13 (NASB)
O) Job was comparing wisdom to the finest earthly treasures in this chapter. He began by describing the way that man will go to great lengths to acquire beautiful things, which then defines their value. He goes into some detail about mining, searching for precious things. Then, he described wisdom as scarce and impossible to find. He said that man doesn't even realize its value, alluding to the point that, if we did know the true value of wisdom, we'd never stop searching for it, as we search for earthly treasures. He finished this chapter, by saying that God Himself has to reveal to men, what wisdom is (fearing Him and departing from evil), which shows us that wisdom is externally given. We cannot acquire it independently. True wisdom is not earned, or even learned, so much as it is given as a gift.
A) Knowing the value of wisdom is as much grace, as actually receiving the wisdom. These things go hand-in-hand, because as soon as we understand the value of wisdom, we will do all we can to acquire it. Reading through the Proverbs is an excellent way to be come familiar with the value of wisdom. Many years ago, my youth pastor advised me to read a chapter out of Proverbs every night before bed. I began to see, especially through the first 9 chapters (or so), that wisdom cannot be overvalued. So, I began to pray for wisdom often. In truth, though, there is no level of wisdom that is wise enough. Yet, I found that I stopped pursuing wisdom, stopped asking for it. In reality, I probably need wisdom now more than ever. I am responsible for more - more people, more money, more in my career - than I ever have been. Not to mention, as I get older, I'll be perpetually closer to my end on earth, which means that wisdom is always going to be increasing in value. So, how did I ever lose focus about wisdom? It's hard to pinpoint, but I know that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (see Job 28:28, and Proverbs 9:10). My resolution, then, is to put myself under the fear of the LORD, and start seeking His wisdom again.
P) Father, Your power and might are undeniably overpowering. If there is anything to take from the entire book of Job, it is to remember that Your sovereignty cannot be resisted. If You will, my job, health, family, wife, or worse, could be taken from me. And, in all of those losses, You would be blameless. I am afraid to ask, Father, that I be made to fear You more, because I'm afraid that would mean loss, suffering, and hardships. However, I have seen You graciously give wisdom, and I believe You can graciously put reverence in my heart. I want to fear You more, Father God. I want to respect and revere Your holy name, Your righteous power, Your absolute sovereignty. I want to correctly understand Your power over my life, and fear You. However it comes to pass, Father, I desire wisdom. Not for my own sake, but because I know You have many purposes and plans in my life, and I do not want to miss those purposes, miss those missions, because of folly. I want to correctly work my career to bring You praise. I want to correctly raise my kids to glorify You. I want to correctly lead my wife to honor Your name. Please, in Your loving grace, put the fear of You in my heart, and increase my wisdom. Yet, not my will, but Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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