It seems like some are cursed with the gift of misplacing stuff. It seems like they are regularly looking for something. I could be described as doing the same thing. It is easy for me to forget my last contact with the desired object. I have learned over the years how to become better in this area. It starts by doing the right things. The Bible has much to say about us finding something that we desperately need each day, like our car keys!
I was struck by a wonderful passage in the account of Job. The focus of chapter twenty-eight reminds us how to find the wisdom that we need for life’s decisions. The Bible actually speaks to this quite a bit. Job words really make a powerful point that we have to look in the right place. Job speaks about things that were known in his day and in ours also. He talks about how precious metal and gems are obtained by mining the earth. It is in these dark places that the precious substances are obtained. He uses some other illustrations but his point is we know where to go to find the stuff that we desire.
That is true for us today. We could say that we go to a gas station to fill up cars. We go to a doctor to obtain medical help. We seek out a plumber to help with a leaking pipe. You get the point. It is in verses 12-13 that he then makes his point. ““But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its worth, and it is not found in the land of the living.” (Job 28:12–13)
Job understood something that most people do not get. You cannot find wisdom in man or in the things of this world. He makes a very insightful point. We think that we have life and even our lives all figured out. We think that we know how to love, live and be successful in life. Now, to the degree that we implement God’s wisdom in these areas, we enjoy the blessing that accompanies doing life God’s way. For instance, if you run with the right crowd, you will likely not get into trouble. Job presents two important questions. First, he reminds us that we do not know where to find wisdom. The obstacle here is our pride. We think that we can figure it out for ourselves. But that really does not work out very well just ask anyone who has been married for more than a few years. Most couples, or usually one of them refuses to seek out Biblical help. The result is they just put up with it or they live independent lives and for many they just separate. Marriage is hard, but we could have the same discussion about finances, kids and every other area of life.
Second, he reminds us that we do not know the value of wisdom. Let’s say you lost a $100 bill would you just blow it off as many might do when the drop a penny? Probably not. You would make an effort to find it because of the value of the bill but not give a second thought about the lost penny. The difference in action is determined by the value. His point is that we do not seek wisdom because we do not know how valuable it is to us.
Job also questions where we might find, what I could call, genuine wisdom? It is not found in the land of the living. You will not find it in a mine. You will not find it growing in a field. This reality seems counter intuitive to all that we think and do. Job does give us the answer to “Where Can I Find Wisdom?” It is found in a relationship with our Creator. “And he [God] said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’ ” (Job 28:28)
If you are stuck in a life situation that seems hopeless, let me encourage you to ask God for help. I would also encourage you to seek out a person who knows God’s word and is living is out. You will be surprised the difference it will make in your situation. Spoiler Alert (Do not be surprised if He encourages you to make some changes.) This is God’s “Find” app for life!
-Pastor Joe Parkinson