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February 19 Daily Devotional

Where Is Wisdom?

Peter G. Feenstra

“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.’ ” (Job 28:28)

Bible Reading

Job 28:12–28

Devotional

Throughout the ages many have busied themselves with the pursuit of wisdom. Philosophy is the study of wisdom. Yet true wisdom does not have its roots in philosophy, science or a university degree. Wisdom as defined in the Bible is having practical insight into the meaning, the purpose and the goal of life. The book of Proverbs gives us a fine sample of true wisdom. It is not an abstract philosophical treatise but a book teaching covenant youth and adults how to live with God every day.

In Job 28, Job wants to know where such wisdom is to be found among men. Will it be found in the ability and competence of human beings? Men skilfully apply their technical abilities to mine ores and refine them, displaying the wonder of human ingenuity. People sink shafts into a mountainside to find precious minerals. Valued commodities like silver and gold are discovered. They mine copper and iron and use them for making tools and other materials. Besides the knowledge of mining, humanity has developed ways to extract metals from these ores. Human technical skills, evidenced in the cultivation of the earth's resources, makes mankind a creature above all creatures. He knows his way to the greatest and most exquisite treasures.

Yet in all that he does, mankind cannot find wisdom or understanding. No human book was discovered to tell Job why he suffered so tremendously. He will not dig it out of the ground or pull it up with a bucket. Money and precious metals will not buy wisdom. In spite of humanity's great technical genius and research skills, no one knows where wisdom can be found.

Nothing has changed since Job spoke these words. People have great knowledge, skills and abilities to unlock great mysteries. It is hard to keep pace with all the changes taking place in science and technology. But can science and technology tell you why there is so much grief and suffering in this world? How do you explain adversity? No living soul knows the way to wisdom. Wisdom has its source with One: God. “God understands its way, and He knows its place.” (Job 28:23) Technology and human discoveries may influence the future but they cannot give answers to the most basic questions of life. There is only One who can, and you and I need to turn to Him today and always.

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