January 17, Reading 2 – Job 28

Job asks a penetrating question: where can wisdom be found? Job gives a similar answer to Ecclesiastes in verse 28. See Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.

* Dear Lord God, please help us keep simple our words, an expression of our trust in You, to keep away from great promises and oaths on altars.

“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.”

Job is part of a small group of books in the Bible categorised as “wisdom” literature.

In today’s passage there is a strong link with what we read in Proverbs.

In Proverbs 1 we read,

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;”

In Proverbs 9 we read,

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

In Proverbs 15 we read,

“The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”

Where does true wisdom begin, where can it be found?

The fear of the LORD.

Job knows this, even amidst his anguish and heartache.

Whatever we are going through, we can be encouraged in this.

True wisdom begins with a holy and reverent humble heart before our King and Saviour.

* Merciful God,

Thank You for Your mercy – Not giving us what we deserve.

Please help us to know a little more of Your wisdom today.

Please write Your word on our hearts.

Amen.