Why is wisdom "hidden from the eyes of every living thing"? A Verse That Stops Us in Our Tracks “It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing and concealed from the birds of the air.” (Job 28:21) Job 28 in Brief • Job’s poem surveys human skill—mining the depths of the earth for precious ore. • Even with all that ingenuity, true wisdom still eludes humanity. • The chapter builds to the conviction that God alone knows the way to wisdom (v. 23) and reveals it on His own terms (v. 28). What “Hidden” Really Means • Not annihilated or unavailable, but inaccessible apart from God’s self-disclosure. • The term highlights humanity’s limitation, not God’s reluctance. • God stores wisdom as a treasure, inviting humble seekers rather than casual observers. Why Wisdom Is Hidden from Every Living Thing • Human finiteness – “Who has understood the mind of the Lord?” (Isaiah 40:13) – Created beings cannot exhaust the Creator’s thoughts. • The veil of sin – “Their minds were closed.” (2 Colossians 3:14) – Rebellion distorts perception, blocking the light of truth. • God’s ownership of wisdom – “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6) – Ownership underscores dependence; God alone distributes what is His. • A call to humble reverence – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) – Pride blinds; reverence opens eyes. • Protection of divine purpose – “The hidden things belong to the LORD our God.” (De 29:29) – God reserves certain truths until the right moment in redemption history. God’s Exclusive Perspective “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33) • God sees every path of wind, every place of darkness (Job 28:24–27). • His omniscience qualifies Him to define, guard, and grant wisdom. How and When God Reveals Wisdom • Through His Word: “Your commands make me wiser than my enemies.” (Psalm 119:98) • Through His Spirit: “We speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God.” (1 Colossians 2:7) • To the humble seeker: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • In the person of Christ: “Christ… in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3) Living in Light of Revealed Wisdom • Embrace reverence—make the fear of the Lord the starting line for every decision. • Submit to Scripture—treat each passage as God’s disclosed counsel. • Pray expectantly—ask for wisdom knowing God “gives generously” (James 1:5). • Walk obediently—Job 28:28 ties wisdom to turning from evil; practice follows insight. • Celebrate Christ—see every facet of wisdom converge on Jesus, “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Colossians 1:24). A Final Word Wisdom is hidden only so that pride cannot seize it and sin cannot corrupt it. In grace, God unlocks that treasure for those who fear Him, trust His Son, and listen to His Spirit-breathed Word. |
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