DO WE KNOW THE VALUE OF WISDOM?
- Key Verse
"But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? Man does not comprehend its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living…and He said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’” (Job 28:12-13, 28)
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Central Truth
As humans we place value on any number of things that are not worth much from God’s perspective. Job challenges us to value and pursue wisdom, which can only be found by those who fear God and depart from evil.
Reflections
Have you ever invested time and effort in pursuing a goal, only to discover, once you attained it, that it was not worth the sacrifice you had made? I have. Probably the most foolish thing I have pursued has been control. I have sought to control circumstances, my spouse, my children, and even myself, only to learn that it is both impossible and unprofitable to do so. I’ve learned (the hard way) the value of surrendering to God’s control so that His good purposes can be accomplished.
Job has something to tell us about what we value and the effort we put into pursuing it. In the first part of today’s passage he considers the value humans place on precious jewels and the enormous effort we put into finding them. Gems represent so much that mankind considers of worth: wealth, power (think crown jewels), beauty, and even happiness. But as Job makes clear, even the rarest and most expensive jewels cannot purchase what really matters in life--specifically, wisdom.
Verse 13 states that we do not understand the value of wisdom. If we did, we would pursue it wholeheartedly. Many of the things we value promise rewards they can never deliver. Wisdom, on the other hand, gives us everything it promises. According to the Proverbs, wisdom gives us not only wealth, beauty, power, and happiness, but also protection, health, honor, and even God’s favor.
And so, Job rightly asks, where can wisdom be found? Only God knows where it is and how to find it. And He will reveal its treasures only to those who reverence Him and obey His truth (v. 28). I have been a fool when I have believed that I can effectively control anything in my own “wisdom." But I am learning to release control to God “who alone is wise” (1 Timothy 1:17). As we seek God’s glory and submit to His guidance we, like Job, will find riches more valuable than the most precious jewels.Discussion Questions
1. What are you pursuing right now that cannot deliver the reward you want it to?
2. Who do you know whose life is an example of fearing (showing reverence to) God? How can you follow their example?3. If you journal, write a prayer to God confessing areas in which you have been foolish, expressing your desire to be wise, and asking Him to teach you.
Tim Hawks
April 7, 2010 05:57 AM
Jo, I love this passage. It brings me back to sanity. Thanks for pointing out that "control" can be a goal as intoxicating as any form of monetary gain. You pointed me in the right direction to look for God's wisdom today.
Chip Smith
April 7, 2010 06:34 AM
Hello Jo! Really great job on Job this morning. It is amazing how foolish I can be when I stop seeking God with my whole heart and begin to rely on my own wisdom. I can be especially foolish in my actions and words when in that moment between stimulus and response, I choose to not fear the LORD and shun evil. It is so stupid on my part to not pause in that moment to listen to the Holy Spirit and allow God's word to rule my response. Many times I wish I could of had that moment of choice back as words were spoken that hurt and actions were taken that were wrong. Thank you for reminding me this morning that I can make that moment a wise one by seeking God to reveal wisdom for each response. Have a great day.
Mark Sutton
April 7, 2010 06:39 AM
Jo, Thanks for the reminder that we must give God reverence. Mark
RICH HELLER
April 7, 2010 07:22 AM
Thanks for your devo on Wisdom.
Darrin Dronen
April 7, 2010 08:35 AM
After reading you thoughts for the day; I prayed to God for Widsom enough to get through this day. After that I saw God's sense of humor when I reached for my coffee cup that has "Mine Mine Mine" (with seaguls fom Finding Nemo) written all over it. I may pray for wisdom; but I need to remain aware and keep in check my quest for "Mine" above "His."
David Redding
April 7, 2010 09:41 AM
Jo, very much enjoyed your log this morning. I tend to be a control freak as well and it often gets me into trouble. Thanks for helping me see the foolishness in this act. Having recently adopted two boys from Ethiopia, I was struck by the specific reference to that country in this passage. I had never noticed that before. I believe that Job is the oldest text in the bible and therefore, that Ethiopia has been an identifiable country for many thousands of years. Which to me is very remarkable, given that the vast number of coutries and locations given in the Old Testament are places that no longer exist.
Barbara
April 7, 2010 09:45 AM
Jo, I enjoyed your devo this morning. It's always a good idea to take time to ask God where I am being foolish! I have done that this morning and I look forward (sort of!) to Him revealing my foolishness to me today so that I can seek His wisdom instead!