How can Job 28:20 inspire us to prioritize God's wisdom over worldly knowledge? Setting the stage Job’s friends have paraded their opinions, yet Job cuts through the noise with one piercing line: “From where then does wisdom come, and where does understanding dwell?” (Job 28:20). That question still challenges every headline, podcast, and classroom today. The cry of Job 28:20 • Job recognizes that humanity, on its own, cannot dig up true wisdom the way it mines gold or silver (Job 28:1–11). • The verse re-centers the search: real wisdom is not discovered; it is revealed. • By asking “from where,” Job points us away from earthbound sources toward the Lord who alone possesses perfect understanding (Job 28:23). Contrasting two paths of knowledge 1. Worldly knowledge • Gained by observation, research, and experience. • Valuable but limited, often changing (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18). • Can puff up with pride if detached from God (1 Corinthians 8:1-2). 2. God’s wisdom • “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). • Centered on reverent trust: “The fear of the LORD—that is wisdom” (Job 28:28). • Revealed fully in Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Reasons to seek God’s wisdom first • Permanence: “The word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). • Purity: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving…” (James 3:17). • Power: “The foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). • Protection: “He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him” (Proverbs 30:5). Practical steps to pursue divine wisdom • Daily Scripture intake—read, meditate, and memorize (Psalm 119:97-100). • Continual prayer—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). • Humble teachability—submit every idea to Christ’s lordship (2 Corinthians 10:5). • God-fearing community—walk with those who value truth over trend (Proverbs 13:20). • Obedient action—wisdom grows when truth is lived, not merely learned (Matthew 7:24). Encouragement for daily living When newsfeeds overflow and opinions clash, pause with Job’s question echoing in your heart. Let it redirect you to the One who speaks unchanging truth. Choose first the wisdom that descends from heaven; worldly knowledge will find its proper place when God’s voice leads the way. |
    |