Job 28:12
New International Version
But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?

New Living Translation
“But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding?

English Standard Version
“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

Berean Standard Bible
But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell?

King James Bible
But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

New King James Version
“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

New American Standard Bible
“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

NASB 1995
“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

NASB 1977
“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

Legacy Standard Bible
“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

Amplified Bible
“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

Christian Standard Bible
But where can wisdom be found, and where is understanding located?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But where can wisdom be found, and where is understanding located?

American Standard Version
But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?

Contemporary English Version
But where is wisdom found?

English Revised Version
But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding live?

Good News Translation
But where can wisdom be found? Where can we learn to understand?

International Standard Version
"Where can wisdom be found? Where is understanding's home?

Majority Standard Bible
But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell?

NET Bible
"But wisdom--where can it be found? Where is the place of understanding?

New Heart English Bible
"But where shall wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?

Webster's Bible Translation
But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

World English Bible
“But where will wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the wisdom—from where is it found? And where [is] this, the place of understanding?

Young's Literal Translation
And the wisdom -- whence is it found? And where is this, the place of understanding?

Smith's Literal Translation
And from whence shall wisdom be found? and where this place of understanding?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But where is wisdom to be found, and where is the place of understanding?

Catholic Public Domain Version
But, in truth, where is wisdom to be found, and where is the place of understanding?

New American Bible
As for wisdom—where can she be found? Where is the place of understanding?

New Revised Standard Version
“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding thereof?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And where shall his wisdom be found, and what is the place of understanding?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But wisdom, where shall it be found? And where is the place of understanding?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But whence has wisdom been discovered? and what is the place of knowledge?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Where Can Wisdom Be Found?
11He stops up the sources of the streams to bring what is hidden to light. 12But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? 13No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living.…

Cross References
Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...

Proverbs 8:1-11
Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? / On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. / Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: ...

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Proverbs 2:1-6
My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ...

1 Corinthians 1:24
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Proverbs 4:5-7
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. / Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. / Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

Colossians 2:2-3
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Ecclesiastes 7:23-25
All this I tested by wisdom, saying, “I resolve to be wise.” But it was beyond me. / What exists is out of reach and very deep. Who can fathom it? / I directed my mind to understand, to explore, to search out wisdom and explanations, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the folly of madness.

Matthew 13:44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. / Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

1 Corinthians 2:6-7
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

Proverbs 14:6
A mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

Ephesians 1:17-18
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,


Treasury of Scripture

But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

Job 28:20,28
Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? …

1 Kings 3:9
Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Psalm 51:6
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

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Dwell Found Resting-Place Understanding Whence Wisdom
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Dwell Found Resting-Place Understanding Whence Wisdom
Job 28
1. There is a knowledge of natural things
12. But wisdom is an excellent gift of God














But where can wisdom be found
This phrase introduces the quest for wisdom, a central theme in the Book of Job. In the biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, spiritual understanding of God's ways. The search for wisdom is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible, including Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. In Proverbs 2:6, it is stated that "the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding," indicating that true wisdom originates from God. The rhetorical question here emphasizes the rarity and value of wisdom, suggesting that it is not easily accessible through human means or efforts.

and where does understanding dwell?
Understanding, closely related to wisdom, implies insight and discernment. In the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, wisdom and understanding were highly prized, often associated with the ability to govern justly and live righteously. The use of the word "dwell" suggests a permanent, stable presence, implying that understanding is not transient or superficial. This echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 8:12, where wisdom is personified and says, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence." The search for understanding is portrayed as a spiritual journey, one that requires divine revelation and guidance. This quest for understanding can also be seen as a type of Christ, who in the New Testament is described as the embodiment of wisdom and understanding (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. Job's discourse in chapter 28 reflects his search for understanding amidst his trials.

2. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia. It represents a place of both prosperity and suffering.

3. Wisdom
A central theme in this chapter, wisdom is portrayed as a precious and elusive treasure, more valuable than any earthly riches.

4. Understanding
Closely linked with wisdom, understanding is depicted as a deep insight into the nature of life and God’s creation.

5. The Search for Wisdom
This event or theme in Job 28 highlights the human quest to find true wisdom and understanding, which is ultimately found in God.
Teaching Points
The Value of Wisdom
Wisdom is more precious than any material wealth. As believers, we should prioritize seeking wisdom over earthly treasures.

The Source of Wisdom
True wisdom comes from God. We must turn to Him in prayer and study of His Word to gain understanding.

The Limitations of Human Understanding
Human efforts alone cannot uncover the depths of wisdom. We must acknowledge our limitations and depend on God’s revelation.

The Pursuit of Wisdom as a Lifelong Journey
Seeking wisdom is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. We should remain committed to growing in wisdom throughout our lives.

Wisdom in Suffering
Like Job, we may not always understand our suffering, but we can trust that God’s wisdom is perfect and His purposes are good.(12) But where shall wisdom be found?--With magnificent effect comes in this question, after the gigantic achievements of man just recounted; notwithstanding his industry, science, and skill, he is altogether ignorant of true wisdom. Neither his knowledge nor his wealth can make him master of that; nor can he find it where he discovers so many other secret and precious things.

Verses 12-28. - Here we come on an abrupt change. From human ingenuity and contrivance Job turns to the consideration of "wisdom" - that wisdom which has been defined as "the reason which deals with principles "(Canon Cook). "Where," he asks, "is this to be found?" It is a wholly different thing from cleverness and ingenuity. It inquires into causes and origins, into the ends and purposes of things; it seeks to solve the riddle of the universe. Perfect wisdom can, of course, only dwell with God (ver. 23). Man must be content with something much below this. With him "the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding" (ver. 28). Verse 12. - But where shall wisdom be found? "Wisdom is the principal thing," says Solomon (Proverbs 4:7); and again, "It is better to get wisdom than gold" (Proverbs 16:16). But where is it to be found? Job's three friends thought that it dwelt with them (Job 12:2); but this was a mistake, since God reproaches them with their "folly" (Job 42:8). Job does not claim to possess it (Job 26:3); he only desires it. It is his deep conviction that it is only possessed, in the true sense of the word, by God. And where is the place of understanding? It is not quite clear whether Job intends to make any distinction between "wisdom" (חכמה) and "understanding" (בינה). Canon Cook suggests that "wisdom" is "the reason which deals with principles," and "understanding" "the faculty which discerns and appreciates their application." But refined distinctions of this kind are scarcely suitable to the age of Job. Dean Plumptre, in his comment on Proverbs ('Speaker's Commentary,' vol. 4. p. 529), accepts the distinction implied in the Septuagint translation of that book, which renders חכמה by σοφία' and בינה by φρόνησις. This is a much simpler and more easily understood distinction, being that which separates between scientific know. ledge and the practical intelligence which directs conduct. But it may be doubted whether Job does not use the two words as synonyms.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But where
מֵאַ֣יִן (mê·’a·yin)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 370: Whence?

can wisdom
וְֽ֭הַחָכְמָה (wə·ha·ḥā·ḵə·māh)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

be found,
תִּמָּצֵ֑א (tim·mā·ṣê)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

and where
וְאֵ֥י (wə·’ê)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 335: Where?, how?

does understanding
בִּינָֽה׃ (bî·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 998: An understanding

dwell?
מְק֣וֹם (mə·qō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition


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OT Poetry: Job 28:12 But where shall wisdom be found? Where (Jb)
Job 28:11
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