How does Job 28:20 connect with Proverbs 2:6 on wisdom's source?

Wisdom’s Elusive Quest in Job 28:20

Job 28:20: “From where then does wisdom come, and where is the place of understanding?”

• Job surveys the depths of the earth, the sea, and the realms of the dead (28:1-19) and still cannot locate wisdom.

• The verse is a rhetorical cry—human effort, learning, or wealth cannot uncover true wisdom.

• The implied conclusion in verse 28 (“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom…”) pushes the reader to look beyond self and toward God.

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The Clear Answer in Proverbs 2:6

Proverbs 2:6: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

• Unlike Job’s question, Proverbs states the answer outright: God Himself is the sole dispenser of wisdom.

• “From His mouth” ties wisdom directly to God’s spoken word—Scripture.

• The verb “gives” underscores grace; wisdom is not earned, mined, or bought but bestowed.

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Thread That Binds the Two Texts

• Job asks the question; Proverbs supplies the answer—Scripture’s internal coherence shows wisdom’s exclusive divine origin.

• Both passages affirm that human limitations drive us to depend on revelation (Deuteronomy 29:29; Isaiah 55:8-9).

• New-Testament harmony:

– James 1:5—God “gives generously to all without reproach.”

– 1 Corinthians 1:30—Christ “became to us wisdom from God.”

– Colossians 2:3—In Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

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Practical Takeaways

• Cultivate “the fear of the LORD” (Job 28:28; Proverbs 9:10); reverent submission positions the heart to receive wisdom.

• Seek God’s Word daily—wisdom flows “from His mouth,” so linger where He speaks (Psalm 19:7-9; 2 Timothy 3:15-17).

• Ask in faith (James 1:5-6); wisdom is promised, not rationed.

• Anchor decisions in God-given wisdom rather than human insight (Proverbs 3:5-6).