The Place of Wisdom (Job 28)

Job continues this, his longest monologue, and arrives at what is perhaps the key text of the entire book. These books of poetry in the Old Testament are often called the books of wisdom. And here we get to the discourse on ‘the place of wisdom.” 

Job first describes the incredible, relentless, power of humanity. We subdue creation. Nothing is hidden from us, it seems. We can bore to the very heart of a mountain to uncover its treasures. We can do things no other creature can do—go places no animal has ever been. We reshape the earth to our purposes. 

And yet… we cannot find, buy, make, or discover true wisdom. We know a lot. We can do a lot. But ultimately the biggest answers to the most important questions evade us. “Where does wisdom come from? Where is the place of understanding?” 

The answer is found in the climactic verses of chapter 28, which also represent the high-point to the book. Ultimately… 

“Behold, the fear of YHWH, that is wisdom;
and to depart from evil is understanding.”

If there were any doubt about this message, one need merely to look to the other books of wisdom: 

“The fear of YHWH is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;
His praise endures forever.” -Psalm 111:10 

Or

“The fear of YHWH is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” -Proverbs 1:7

Or

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13 

Everything leading up tot this moment in the story has been preparing us for this truth, and the rest of the book will expand upon it.