Daily Devotional | True Wisdom Comes from God

It seems as if once a month I get an email or text on my smartphone letting me know that there will be an update to the phone’s software later that night. I’m amazed at the intelligence that was needed to create my smartphone. Yet, each update reminds me that something in the original software was insufficient. Although vast, man’s intelligence is lacking.

Job continues to refute his three friends’ notions that he is living in sin. He agrees with his friends that the wicked face consequences for their actions (27:13). But Job’s issue is not repenting of sin. Job desires true wisdom which cannot be found in this world. Job asks, “But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?” (28:12). Job declares that wisdom is more valuable than the finest of metals and the most precious of jewels (28:15–16). It is hidden from every creature that roams the earth or flies the skies (28:21).

The one who searches for wisdom will find that God alone knows where wisdom dwells (v. 23). The path will lead the searcher to God who proclaims, “The fear of the LORD—that is wisdom and to shun evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). The author of Proverbs is in perfect agreement with Job: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Prov. 1:7).

Job took us on a journey for wisdom that leads us to a Person (28:12–28). This Person is the author and giver of wisdom. Many in our culture don’t seek true wisdom. They seek fame, pleasure, and status. If given enough time, some will find that fame is illusive, pleasure is fleeting, and status is unsatisfying, and they will turn to God. But when we genuinely seek answers to questions—Why am I here? What’s the purpose of my life? Is it more to life than this?—then the answers will point us to God.