What does Job 28:15 teach about the source of true wisdom? The Verse in Focus “Wisdom cannot be valued with gold, nor its price weighed out in silver.” (Job 28:15) What We Immediately Notice • The verse speaks only in negatives—what wisdom “cannot” be. • Gold and silver, the highest monetary standards of the ancient world, are declared inadequate. • Value and price are singled out, showing that even the marketplace has no category for true wisdom. Why Wealth Falls Short • Money purchases information and education, but wisdom is moral and spiritual, not merely intellectual. • Earth-bound currencies are temporary; wisdom is eternal (Proverbs 8:22-31). • Riches come from human effort; wisdom requires divine revelation (Proverbs 2:6). The Positive Truth Behind the Negative Statement Because no earthly medium can secure wisdom, the only possible source is God Himself. • Job later clarifies: “God understands its way, and He knows its place” (Job 28:23). • The chapter’s climax: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom” (Job 28:28). • Supporting verses: – “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6) – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all.” (James 1:5) Practical Takeaways • Seek relationship over resources: true insight flows from knowing the Lord, not from accumulating things. • Guard against the illusion that advanced degrees, data, or prosperity automatically yield wisdom. • Cultivate “the fear of the LORD”—reverent trust and obedience—as the posture that invites God’s wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Living It Out Today 1. Start every decision-making process with Scripture, asking, “What has God already said?” 2. Acknowledge limitations; humbly ask God for guidance instead of relying on human savvy. 3. Measure success by faithfulness to God’s revealed will, not by financial or social metrics. |
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