FINDING WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING

Job 28:12 But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? (Read the entire chapter)

The first few verses, of this chapter of the book of Job, tell us of the many things that we, as human beings, have found and understood. We have found the veins where silver and gold are lodged, and we have devised and understand the methods used to refine these precious metals in order to separate them from impurities, leaving only the pure metals. We have found iron in the earth and have learned how to separate it from other elements. We have found copper and zinc and have the understanding of combining the two to make brass. From the dark depths of the earth and its waters, we have found many precious metals and understand how they are useful to mankind.

On the earth, we found vegetation and understand how to use it as food to sustain our lives, make clothing to keep us warm, build houses in which we live, convert into medicines to heal diseases and cure sicknesses, etc. Within the earth, we have found coal, oil and gas and understand how to use them to create fire for heat and for cooking foods. From within the earth, its rocks, mountains and rivers, we have found precious gems stones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, garnets, emeralds, etc. We understand their value and have the knowledge to use them to create pieces of jewelry having great value.

All these things on, above, and in the earth, we have found and understand how to use them for our benefit. The questions still remain - But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

The first part of verse 13 says that the value of wisdom and understanding is unknown - it is infinite. The latter part of verse 13 and verse 14 says they cannot be found on or in the earth, or in the depths of the seas. Verses 16 though 19 indicate that they cannot be valued or purchased with any amount of gold or precious jewels. Verse 20 restates the questions, Whence then cometh wisdom? And where is the place of understanding? Verse 22 says that the powers of evil know about wisdom and understanding. Why? It is because these are the very characteristics that defeat the powers of Satan.

Verse 23 tells us that only God understands the way of wisdom and the place of understanding. God's knowledge is unlimited - it extends to the ends of the earth and to everything under heaven (Vs 24). In God's creation, he made, and put into effect, the laws of nature regarding atmospheric pressure and water pressure. These laws are so exacting that they sustain both the entire plant and animal life that inhabit the earth and live in its waters (Vs 25). It is simply amazing just to think about this one phase of God's creation. If the atmospheric or water pressure were increased a significant, but relatively small amount, the blood vessels in animal life or the conduits through which sap flows in plant life, would collapse. On the other hand, a significant decrease in pressure would result in these veins and conduits bursting.

God's knowledge is demonstrated in another way that is just as amazing. The rain, that irrigates the earth and provides food and water for mankind as well as all animals and plant life, is a remarkable cycle of nature which God has put into effect (Vs 26). Rain descends on the earth, is carried to the seas, evaporates into the air, condenses and falls to the ground as rain once again. The same God that created these characteristics of nature that sustain life, has declared them to mankind (Vs 27). This same God now declares to mankind where we can find wisdom and understanding. And unto man He said, behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom: and to depart from evil is understanding (Vs 28).

Throughout the pages of the Bible, God has given us evidences of his power to save those that love Him and are obedient to His commandments. He has also told us of His power to punish those that love Satan and follow his sinful ways.To fear the Lord, is to believe that God has the power to save our souls for eternity or to punish our souls forever. In order to be saved, one must depart from evil. We live in a world surrounded by the temptations of Satan's evils. Spiritual understanding is to recognize evil, realize the consequences of participating in it, and to depart from it. More precious than anything else in this world is finding godly wisdom and understanding and using them to guide our lives.