Wisdom and Understanding

Then Job answered and said: “No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you. But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?
Job 12:1-3
+
Wisdom and Understanding
Job opens his third and longest dialogue by asking Zophar, “Who does not know such things as these?”  So far Job has heard nothing but platitudes and clichés from his friends.  He mockingly suggests that wisdom will die with them and those like them.  And he insists that he does in fact have wisdom and understanding, even more so than his three friends. Though Job does not fully understand why he is in the situation he is in, he still understands and knows God is in control and is just and righteous.  As sinful people we often forget this point.  We often lash out and blame God for our troubles.  Or we turn inward and attempt to buy our way in to God’s kingdom, either by good works or “right” living.  We too often fail to let God be God.  Instead, we attempt to take His place. But eventually all of our human wisdom and understanding fail us.  Yet when our hearts and minds are inclined towards God true wisdom and understanding are revealed.  We see God as our Savior knowing it is by grace alone that we are counted amongst the righteous.  And in our times of trouble and suffering, we do not turn on God but turn towards Him.  Clinging to His cross for comfort and salvation.  As we are told to do, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).