October 16, 2018
Job 28:12-29:20 The Message (MSG)
Many times people confuse wisdom with knowledge, but they are not the same. We can gain knowledge by our own efforts, but we cannot gain wisdom without divine help. Wisdom is given so we can make good use of knowledge and to determine what is right or wrong in our lives before God.
In our wisdom passage from Job, we learn the ultimate interpretation for our lives must come from God—from the One who created us in his image. Only God can reveal his plans for our lives. Our reverence and respect for God will establish a beginning in our quest for wisdom. In order to receive wisdom, we must trust the Lord who gives it generously to those who seek him and ask. So, ask God for wisdom and trust him to bring to your understanding what you need to be prosperous in every area of your life. Father God wants to bless you with wisdom, so be listening carefully.
Job 28:12-29:20
12-19
“But where, oh where, will they find Wisdom?
Where does Insight hide?
Mortals don’t have a clue,
haven’t the slightest idea where to look.
Earth’s depths say, ‘It’s not here’;
ocean deeps echo, ‘Never heard of it.’
It can’t be bought with the finest gold;
no amount of silver can get it.
Even famous Ophir gold can’t buy it,
not even diamonds and sapphires.
Neither gold nor emeralds are comparable;
extravagant jewelry can’t touch it.
Pearl necklaces and ruby bracelets—why bother?
None of this is even a down payment on Wisdom!
Pile gold and African diamonds as high as you will,
they can’t hold a candle to Wisdom.
20-22
“So where does Wisdom come from?
And where does Insight live?
It can’t be found by looking, no matter
how deep you dig, no matter how high you fly.
If you search through the graveyard and question the dead,
they say, ‘We’ve only heard rumors of it.’
23-28
“God alone knows the way to Wisdom,
he knows the exact place to find it.
He knows where everything is on earth,
he sees everything under heaven.
After he commanded the winds to blow
and measured out the waters,
Arranged for the rain
and set off explosions of thunder and lightning,
He focused on Wisdom,
made sure it was all set and tested and ready.
Then he addressed the human race: ‘Here it is!
Fear-of-the-Lord—that’s Wisdom,
and Insight means shunning evil.’”
Prayer: Lord, I ask for wisdom in order to utilize the knowledge I have gained and live the life you have destined for me. I will be asking you daily and listening for your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.