Job: Reflections on Wisdom
Today, before my weekly conference call with my Larimer Energy Action Project team, I received a call from the COO of Northern Colorado Acute Hospital. He had an update on some contacts he had made with other Long Term Acute Hospitals in Denver about an issue I have been working on with them. I will have some meetings in the next couple of weeks to follow up with those hospitals.
Today was another great fall day with warm temperatures. I had a lighter schedule, so it gave me an opportunity to focus on some office work and to get a little work done outside. I have my appointment tomorrow with my trainer. I am working on walking with once crutch and even taking a few steps on my own. Thank you for your prayers for my progress.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “So where does wisdom come from, and where does understanding live?…Only God understands the way to wisdom, and he alone knows where it lives, ‘The fear of the Lord is wisdom; to stay away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:20,23,28 NCV
The verse above sounds much like the writing of Solomon. It is uncertain as to when Job lived. However several of the theories all have him living before Moses. That means certainly long before Solomon. The more I look at some of the words of Job, I wonder, “did Solomon have knowledge of Job and his life and reflections?”
What is of interest in Job 28 is the detailed reference to precious metals and the work of the miner. As Job weaves reflections on precious metals and jewels and the work of the miner just before talking of wisdom, he is pointing out that, wisdom must be valued and it must be sought after. Solomon said, “…look for it [wisdom] as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure…” (Proverbs 2:4 NIV)
Wisdom is about life and having insight. It is “applied understanding or knowledge.” It is one thing to learn, it is one thing to have understanding; but those who have the most success in life are those who apply understanding and knowledge to their life, decisions and their efforts. I recall hearing a statement in my youth that was something like this, “we don’t need a ‘thus saith the Lord’ for everything in our life.” Many people look for the specifics in the Bible about their life and miss the principles that are to form the basis of our life in God and how we make decisions in life.
Job said, “People do not understand the value of wisdom….” (Job 28:13 NCV) Wisdom can not be bought and it is of great value.” Job said wisdom can’t be found in the sea that it can’t be bought with gold or silver and that it is of greater value than precious stones. Solomon’s advice, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom…” (Prov. 4:y KJV) Solomon’s request of the Lord, when he became King, was for wisdom to rule rightly and justly. He didn’t ask for wealth or triumph over his enemies or a long life.
God holds the keys to wisdom. “Only God understands the way to wisdom, and he alone knows where it lives…” (Job 28:23) Solomon said, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Prov. 2:6 NIV) To know God is to have the greatest access to wisdom that is available. It is actually available in no other way. Just as “all truth is God’s truth” we can observe, “all true wisdom is from God.”
The Apostle James talked about a “worldly wisdom” and wisdom from heaven. “Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:16,17 NIV) The Apostle Paul said, “the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight…” (1 Cor. 3:19 NIV)
Fear of the Lord is wisdom. Wisdom is shown by honoring the Lord and staying away from evil. It is that simple and it is that challenging. Doing what the Lord wants, living according to His ways. Solomon said, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.“ (Prov. 9:10 NLT) David declared in Psalm 111:10 (NLT) “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.”
When we look into the Bible we see from Job to David to Solomon, in the Old Testament and to Paul and James, in the New Testament, there is a recognition for the value of the wisdom that comes from God. It is needed in our life, our work, our relationships. It has to do with understanding God’s ways and living by His instructions. The life of those with wisdom is a life of blessing.