And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Job 28:28.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1:7-10.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5. 

Each of the above verses – from our chapter today and from devotionals I read this morning – are full of wisdom we cannot find within ourselves. Wisdom is from God – Father, Son, Spirit – calling to us and giving life that is Good.

This chapter, Job 28, is a respite. Job describes how we humans can search for and mine places hidden within the earth to procure ore for light, gold and silver for treasures. Far from human dwellings they cut a shaft, in places untouched by human feet; far from other people they dangle and sway…People assault the flinty rock with their hands and lay bare the roots of the mountains…They search the sources of the rivers and bring hidden things to light…v. 4, 9, 11. But we don’t make the water or the ore or the gold and silver or the stream beds or the mountains. Because of that we are blind. But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living…It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing…v. 13, 21. Yet, inspired and written within Scripture is a map showing the way. God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding. v. 23-28. 

I think we have to come to a place where we realize our own lack. Job couldn’t bring his adult children back or stop the painful boils on his skin. Job’s friends couldn’t climb out of their own way of thinking about sin and about God. We can’t create dust let alone create mountains with treasures buried within but God did. The fear of the Lord is a group of words that instantly brings triggers to each of us. We can’t comprehend that truth on our own without God helping us. Isn’t that the root problem of all of our misunderstandings? Without God helping us what truth can we truly grasp? Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7. Can we start there? To what end? Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3. Wisdom. Sit in silence with God and let Him speak to your heart and mind and soul. You will never be the same. You will find Home.