What is the meaning of Job 28:28? And He said to man • God Himself speaks, showing that wisdom originates with Him, not with human speculation (Genesis 1:28; Deuteronomy 5:24; Hebrews 1:1-2). • The address is to “man,” encompassing every person and underscoring the universal reach of God’s instruction (Acts 17:30). • Divine speech carries absolute authority, inviting humble reception rather than debate (Psalm 33:9). Behold • A command to pause and look; the Lord calls for focused attention (Isaiah 65:1; John 1:29). • This word signals that what follows is of supreme importance—worth more than silver, gold, or jewels sought earlier in Job 28 (Proverbs 2:4-6). • God graciously makes wisdom plain, removing any excuse for ignorance (Romans 1:20). the fear of the Lord • Holy reverence that results in worshipful obedience—a wholesome awe that keeps the heart close to God (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10). • Fear here is relational, rooted in love and respect, not in cringing terror (1 John 4:18; Deuteronomy 10:12). • Such fear aligns the soul with reality: the Lord is Creator, Judge, and Redeemer (Revelation 14:7; Acts 10:35). that is wisdom • Scripture equates reverent fear with true wisdom; it is not merely one path to wisdom but its very essence (Proverbs 9:10). • Wisdom emerges when the mind acknowledges God’s supremacy and the will submits to His ways (James 3:13-17). • Christ Himself embodies this wisdom for believers (1 Corinthians 1:30), proving the point in perfect form. and to turn away from evil • Fear of the Lord shows itself in concrete choices; repentance is wisdom in motion (Proverbs 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:19). • Turning is continuous, a lifestyle of rejecting sin and embracing righteousness (Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:9). • By shunning evil, believers demonstrate the practical outworking of their reverence (Ephesians 4:22-24). is understanding • Understanding is measured by moral discernment, not by accumulating facts (Proverbs 14:16). • The one who obeys gains deeper insight, a principle Jesus affirmed (John 7:17). • Mature believers “have their senses trained to distinguish good from evil,” displaying true understanding (Hebrews 5:14). summary Job 28:28 anchors wisdom in a twofold response to God: revere Him and reject sin. Wisdom is not hidden in remote mines but openly offered through reverent fear. Understanding is not abstract intelligence but the lived reality of turning from evil. In Christ, who perfectly feared the Father and never sinned, this wisdom and understanding stand fully revealed and freely given to all who will heed His word. |
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