Daily Readings and Thought for December 21st. “WHERE SHALL WISDOM BE FOUND?”
The three âfriendsâ of Job have given up reasoning with him, their minds were locked into thinking that everything âbadâ that happens is always a form of punishment by God â but this is â but only sometimes. We are now reading some very interesting chapters that contain Jobâs meditations about God and his way â and we look ahead to note Godâs comment in ch. 42 v.7..Â
One point Job makes is that the success and blessings the rich enjoy are only temporary. âHe goes to bed rich, but will do so no more; he opens his eyes, and his wealth is gone.â [27 v.19] This is a lesson our world is in the process of learning, a lesson that is not yet complete.Â
Chapter 28 today caused us to reflect on the massive efforts in recent years, such as in this country, to dig out metals of great value. These are essential for the ongoing prosperity of modern man and his lifestyle. The chapter begins, âsurely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold that they refine. Iron is taken out of the earth, and copper is smelted from the ore.â
Now more than ever âman puts his hand to the flinty rock and overturns mountains by the rootsâ [v.9] in his efforts to increase his prosperity.
Then Job poses a significant question! âBut where shall wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its worth âŚâ [v.12,13]  Man is busy, very busy  doing â but is he wise in all he is doing? Is this his sole aim in life? To make the point that it is not â is Jobâs purpose in asking this question.Â
Job gives his answer at the end of the chapter, âBehold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.â When we read about the âfear of the Lordâ we see this as meaning we are to be in awe of all that the Creator must be. Â
This is a healthy attitude of mind which we can build on, under Godâs guidance, to develop a real relationship with our Creator and His Son. Â
The letters to the 7 churches (ecclesia) which we are now reading in Revelation illustrate the different degrees to which believers there had succeeded or failed in having a real knowing of the Eternal. Often it helps to see the word âknowledgeâ as having the sense of knowing – of establishing a relationship, we will see this as Jobâs book reaches its climax.